The only UKIP representative on Lancashire County Council has apologised to fellow members for an offensive video posted to his Facebook page.

A meeting of the full council heard that the post had been made to County Cllr Alan Hosker’s page by a third party, who, he said, was unaware of its complete contents.

The apology was read out on County Cllr Hosker’s behalf, after councillors were told that the member for Padiham and Burnley West would be arriving at the meeting late.

It followed a question from Conservative member, Peter Steen, who asked the cabinet member for cultural services, Peter Buckley, to join him in “condemning the appalling and offensive language used in recent demonstrations by racist campaigners for convicted criminal Tommy Robinson, and shared by County Cllr Hosker on his Facebook page”.

County Cllr Buckley agreed with the sentiment of the question, before turning to the council Chairman to present County Cllr Hosker’s statement.

“I would like to offer my apologies for an offensive video that was recently posted by a third party on my Facebook account,” it began.   

“The person did not have sound on their device and so was unaware of the offensive chanting.

“I have posted an apology on my Facebook page and I want to offer my sincere apologies to full council.

“Even though this was posted by someone else, I understand it is my responsibility,” the statement concluded.

County Cllr Hosker scored a surprise win at the county council elections last year, overturning a near-1000 majority and ousting then Labour cabinet member Marcus Johnstone.

The victory – which handed County Cllr Hosker a majority of over 200 – came on a day when UKIP suffered crushing losses elsewhere in the country.

The Padiham and Burnley West seat was previously held by the British National Party between 2009 and 2013.