A COUNCIL candidate is being investigated over “unacceptable and sexist” social media posts.

Daniel Gray, 34, who is standing for the Labour Party in next month’s Brighton and Hove City Council elections, has apologised for a series of messages posted on Twitter.

The posts are alleged to have included abusive insults directed at women and “inappropriate and misogynist language”.

Mr Gray, who works as a secondary school teacher in London, is standing for election in the ward of St Peter's and North Laine.

He said in a statement: “I am deeply and sincerely sorry for these unacceptable and sexist tweets.

“These tweets absolutely do not reflect my views. This was a very dark for me, and these tweets were an outlet for my own sadness.

“I don’t remember posting all of these comments. I am mortified by them and ashamed of them and I wholeheartedly apologise.

“I care very much about educating myself, championing women and LGBT+ rights and helping to create a more equal society that is free of prejudice and bigotry.”

A Labour spokesman said the party took “all complaints about inappropriate and misogynist language extremely seriously”.

Mr Gray previously hit the headlines when he came out as gay to more than 1,000 students to mark LGBT History Month.