A Conservative candidate standing in May’s city council elections has resigned from the party after a series of offensive jokes came to light.
Mr Lyons, who was set to contest Westbourne ward, posted jokes in a Facebook group called the Society for the Preservation of Old Jokes between 2012 and 2016.
One joked about telling a suicidal Muslim man to “stay on the line” when calling the Samaritans from a railway track.
Another talked about being frightened of women wearing Burkas and “Muslims, angry bearded types” while on a trip to Afghanistan – with the payoff being that this “scary hell hole” was actually Hounslow.
Other targets of the jokes were the mentally ill, Chinese immigrants and blonde women.
Mike Long, Chairman, Brighton and Hove Conservatives said: “Brighton and Hove Conservatives have accepted the resignation of Ivan Lyons, Conservative Party candidate for Westbourne Ward.
“Before being selected as a Conservative candidate, Ivan, in a private social media forum amongst friends, shared jokes which are now in the public domain.
“Brighton and Hove Conservatives agree that many of the jokes are of an offensive nature and we unconditionally condemn the material that has been published. Ivan has apologised profusely for any offence that has been caused.
“The Conservative Party, both nationally and locally, does not tolerate discriminatory behaviour against any group. We do not tolerate either anti-Semitism or Islamophobia.
“Whilst we do not condone Ivan’s behaviour, we do note that he has himself been the victim of social media hate campaigns and condemn all offensive and hate-filled dialogue from whichever quarter it originates.
“Brighton and Hove will announce a replacement candidate for Westbourne Ward in due course. We will continue to campaign in a fair and open way on the important issues which face our city and ask that those who disagree with us do so too.
“We thank Ivan sincerely for his service to the city and to Westbourne residents and now consider this matter closed.”
Mr Lyons was approached for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
The Conservative party is currently embroiled in a scandal after dozens of members have been caught posting Islamophobic content on social media.
Former chair of Brighton and Hove Conservatives Linda Freedman, who is now a councillor in Barnet, is one of about 15 councillors who have been reinstated following suspension for posting Islamophobic or racist content online.
Cllr Freedman had tweeted in apparent support of the internment of Muslims in the US.
Wow….what an exceptionally thin excuse to hunt and harass someone….