A COUNCILLOR has been cleared over a ‘racist’ tweet after it was deemed impossible to prove he was the one who sent it.

Cllr Philip Winter, who sits on Almondsbury Parish Council, was put under investigation by South Gloucestershire Council after a racial slur was made from his personal Twitter account back in February.

The councillor, who was suspended by UKIP following the controversy, has repeatedly denied sending the tweet, which was recorded as a “hate incident” by police, claiming his account had been hacked.

In clearing Cllr Winter, South Gloucestershire Council said that “it was not possible to conclusively prove that the offensive tweet was sent by him in his capacity as a councillor”.

As a result, the code of conduct would not apply and no further action would be taken.

Cllr Winter returned to the parish council in September after an almost-six month absence, sending his apologies to every meeting since.

His fellow councillors have expressed their “disappointment” over the decision to clear him, having previously called for him to stand down over the tweet.

Chairman Cllr Phil Hall claimed he was “stunned” by the decision. “I am astounded that they have come to this conclusion after so many months,” he said.

“Many of our residents will feel the same, if not more so, with Cllr Winter having been given a very verbal reception when he returned to council meetings in September.

“What was put on social media was offensive and upset a lot of people.”

A spokesman for UKIP said that while the South Gloucestershire Council investigation had concluded, the party was yet to carry out its own processes and Cllr Winter would remain suspended from their membership until a decision was reached.

South Gloucestershire Council has since reiterated a statement made by the three political party leaders, Cllrs Matthew Riddle of the Conservatives, Ruth Davis of the Liberal Democrats and Pat Rooney of Labour, back in February, highlighting how the region thrives based on the judgement of skills and industry, not creed or colour.

They added: “We reaffirmed our commitment to fighting against racism, and combating discrimination based on national origin, race, sexuality, and disability.”

Cllr Winter was unavailable for comment.