A COLCHESTER councillor accused of sending a racist and xenophobic tweet says he is pleased his seven-week nightmare is finally over.

Colchester Council’s public safety boss Mike Lilley was quizzed by police and hauled in front of a council standards committee after tweeting a disparaging remark about Argentinian people.

As part of a Twitter conversation on July 27, Mr Lilley, whose parents set up home in the islands before moving to England, wrote: “You have to fly to ascension island as the dirty argies, have a air ban (sic). It’s about 6k for the flight as well.”

Police cleared him of any wrongdoing last week while members of Colchester Council’s governance committee unanimously decided he had no case to answer on Tuesday night.

Yesterday, the Labour stalwart said: “I am glad it’s over but that doesn’t take away the fact that it has been an absolute nightmare.

“I don’t mind being honest, I had a breakdown over it.

“I had to go to the doctor and I was put on medication.

“To be called a racist is the worst thing that has ever happened to me.

“It is something I am so against and I would never in a million years consider myself a racist.”

“For me, it’s now time to move on and look to the future and get back to my council work.”

Mr Lilley was reported to the committee by Conservative councillor Beverly Davies, who suggested his position on the ruling cabinet should be in jeopardy.

During the hearing, it was also revealed Mrs Davies had been subjected to online abuse after making the complaint.

When contacted by the Gazette yesterday, Mrs Davies said: “As far as I am concerned, it is done and dusted and I have nothing more to say on it.”

The committee heard Lib Dem and Conservative members speak in support of Mr Lilley.

Tory group boss Dennis Willetts voiced his concerns over an “outdated” members’ code of conduct.

He also called for a review into it which he said he hoped would “bring it into the post-2000s”.