A TORY candidate in Scotland has been suspended over offensive internet posts.

Ryan Houghton, candidate for Aberdeen North, was dropped by the Conservative Party after the discovery of offensive social media posts.

His suspension follows the National newspaper’s publication of a long list of anti-semitic, Islamophobic and homophobic posts by Mr Houghton on a martial arts forum in 2013.

In one post, he says of the Holocaust: “I do find some of the events fabricated, and exegarated [sic] in some cases.” He praises the work of disgraced historian and Holocaust-denier David Irving.

In others, he writes: “I don’t see how homosexuality is ‘good’ for the human race” and suggests Islam’s goal is “world domination.”

In a statement Mr Houghton, a Tory councillor, said his remarks had been “taken out of context” but apologised for any hurt caused.

A Tory spokesperson said the comments were “unacceptable” and the party had withdrawn its support.

Holocaust survivor Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs said he felt “sickened” by the remarks.

“The Conservatives must face up to their problem with anti-semitism,” he insisted.

“Instead of using the issue to score political points, they should challenge it in their own ranks.”

And Kirsty Blackman, who is contesting the seat for the SNP, said suspension was “the bare minimum.”

She said: “The Tories must permanently expel Mr Houghton and make clear that they do not consider these views appropriate in public life.”

Mr Houghton’s suspension follows the Brexit Party’s withdrawal of support for Glenrothes candidate Victor Farrell, who said in a Facebook post that he was “at war” with LGBT people.

Mr Farrell’s selection as a candidate prompted Scotland’s only Brexit Party MEP, Louis Stedman-Bryce, to quit the party today.