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A former Conservative minister who once wore blackface at a fancy dress party has said that the British public have a right to elect misogynists and racists if they so please.
Sir Desmond Swayne said he hoped his constituents would not choose people with such views, but raised concerns over proposed standards reforms for MPs.
The Committee on Standards has suggested MPs should abide by the parliamentary behaviour code and 'demonstrate anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours through the promotion of anti-racism, inclusion and diversity'.
Sir Desmond, MP for New Forest West, refused to apologise in October after a picture emerged of him dressing up as the soul legend James Brown, which shows him with a painted face.
After he was shown a picture from the party, he said he could not deny he was the man in the photo, confirming the woman pictured is his wife.
Today, he told the Commons: 'The principle of democracy is undermined by the requirement that we may be required to subscribe to behaviours to promote certain attitudes.
'I hope that my constituents never elect a racist or a misogynist, but they have a right to do so.'
Sir Desmond, MP for New Forest West, told the Commons: 'The principle of
