A Conservative county councillor who was suspended over historic racist social media comments is to stand as an independent in next month's Thanet council election.

Paul Messenger, who represents Ramsgate, earlier apologised for his behaviour saying: "I fully accept my suspension and any further disciplinary action which may follow.

"And, of course, I am standing down as a candidate for TDC [Thanet district council] in Margate Central with immediate effect."

However, he is now listed as a candidate for the Sir Moses Montefiore ward in Ramsgate.

It is understood he has now resigned from the Conservative party.

He had initially denied posting the comments about Muslims - one of which suggested suggest Muslim communities pose a greater threat than the IRA - and claimed his Facebook account had been hacked.

But 24 hours later he admitted he had made the comments.

Mr Messenger was facing a lengthy suspension from the party and the Conservative leader on KCC Paul Carter said the comments were "abhorrent".

In a lengthy apology, Mr Messenger said: "So, it is absolutely unforgiveable that I didn’t delete these posts from my timeline.

"And it is equally unforgiveable that I didn’t publicly refute them. I do so now."