Free, freee, free, Brian Gordon!

Tory sparks uproar after blacking up to be Nelson Mandela

A Conservative councillor has sparked a row by blacking up during a religious festival to impersonate Nelson Mandela. Barnet councillor Brian Gordon wore the fancy dress at a party to celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim. He then sent a photograph of himself as the former South African president to his local newspaper.

A CRE spokesman said: "Is it really too much to ask that celebrities and politicians engage their brains before they walk out the door?

Where have you been all your life Mr CRE spokesman?