A FORMER council officer who said he was racially abused has a new role promoting high standards of conduct for councillors.

Abiodun "Mac'' Williams alleged he endured a catalogue of remarks about his colour while working as Durham City Council's principal health and safety officer.

The council settled his claim for racial discrimination on the eve of an industrial tribunal last year, paying Mr Williams £6,500 without admitting liability.

Now Mr Williams, a long-standing member of the Labour Party and the deputy chairman of the city's magistrates, has been appointed to the council's standards committee.

The committee's role includes the "promotion and maintenance and high standards of conduct" and giving advice about the code of conduct for councillors.

Mr Williams, a member of Croxdale and Hett Parish Council, is one of two parish council representatives on the committee, which also includes city councillors and two members of the public.

His appointment was confirmed at the council's annual meeting when the Liberal Democrats formally took control after 20 years of Labour rule.

Mr Williams, who was also co-opted to the council's review committee, said he was pleased at his appointment and thanked the new council for approving it.

He said: "I believe in openness, integrity, freedom of speech, accountability and believe that giving standards committees wider-reaching responsibilities is a positive step. I hope this will promote confidence in democracy."

The council also adopted an equal opportunities policy that aims to eliminate discrimination.