NEW evidence has emerged relating to a Conservative councillor who has been suspended as the party investigates Islamophobia in its ranks.

Cllr Derek Bullock, who was elected in Hulton last year, has been suspended from the party pending further investigation.

It comes after advocacy group HOPE Not Hate called on the Conservative Party to take "decisive steps" to deal with its Islamophobia "crisis".

Cllr Bullock, an ex-English Democrats member, was named on a list of councillors, activists and members published by the anti-racism organisation which accused him of posting anti-Muslim content online.

In a series of Facebook posts seen by The Bolton News, the newly-elected councillor appears to have shared a number of articles and images from far-right organisations between 2013 and 2014.

One post, originating from the English Democrats East Anglia Facebook page appears to show a swastika below the words: "For England's sake, get us out of the EU, before it's too late".

In May 2014, Cllr Bullock appears to have shared a Facebook post by the British National Party.

The Bolton News has also seen evidence of Cllr Bullock sharing an article about the gay pride flag being raised above Hatfield Police Station to which he commented: "The sooner we get our country (England) back the better?"

The investigation launched by the Conservatives follows new evidence of alleged Islamophobia in the party published by HOPE Not Hate.

According to the group, Cllr Bullock allegedly posted an article on social media from JihadiWatch about former party chairman Sayeeda Warsi commenting: "she's been a cuckoo in the nest."

Cllr Bullock also shared a Daily Mail article about the number of Muslim children in England and Wales doubling over a decade, adding: "the clock is ticking."

It is understood that Cllr Bullock was a candidate for the English Democrats for the North West region at the 2014 European Parliament election.

Council leader David Greenhalgh said: “All those found to be party members have been suspended immediately, pending investigation. The swift action we take on not just anti-Muslim discrimination, but discrimination of any kind is testament to the seriousness with which we take these issues.”

The suspension is to allow an investigation to take place. It does not imply any wrong doing.

Cllr Bullock has been contacted for comment.