THREE party leaders on a Gwent council have reported an independent councillor to the public service ombudsman following a row about the use of racist language.

Conservative party leader Councillor Peter Fox, Labour's Dmitri Batrouni and Liberal Democrat's Phyl Hobson have joined forces to make the complaint against Councillor Graham Down.

Their decision follows a meeting last week at which Councillor Down defended racist language when it was used with no hate involved.

His comments came during a motion to condemn racist and xenophobic language and led to a heated debate in the council chamber during which two councillors walked out.

Cllr Hobson, the council's member for equalities, spoke of the shock felt by the 'ill-timed comments' which came just days away from Monmouthshire's hosting of the National Eisteddfod, the first time in more than 100 years.

While admitting that the referral was an easy decision to make, the Larkfield ward member said: "It was extremely saddening because nobody took any joy from it. It just does not help, the way it was put did not help.

"My personal concern was that on the eve of the National of the Eisteddfod, you can't be making comments separating race from language - it's a mosaic.

"These type of comments resonate with people and especially the recipients of hateful language.

"It brings questions against all of the work we have been doing in Monmouthshire in the past four years and can damage our reputation."

Labour councillor Jess Crook, who reacted angrily at the meeting, welcomed news of Cllr Down's referral and claimed to have received a "remarkable" amount of support since the incident.

"The use of racist, sexist and other derogatory language affects far more people than people realise, hence why Cllr Down's comments have been so irresponsible," said Cllr Crook.

"Society should fight hard against such views as the sooner they cease to exist the better for us all."

Cllr Fox added: "We feel it necessary to refer Cllr Down to the Public Service Ombudsman following his contribution during a debate where the council was condemning racism, xenophobia and hate crimes.

"We were appalled to hear Cllr Down try to defend and justify the use of racially offensive language.

"We strongly believe that there is no place in society today for offensive language of any description. The use of, or justification, is abhorrent and should not be tolerated."

Cllr Down was contacted for comment.