Barking and Dagenham Council leader has been cleared of wrongdoing over his comments at a Black History Month event, and will be able to stand as a candidate to be Barking MP.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, who is white, was filmed joking about having “the worst tan possible for a Black man” and holding a Black History Month flag and kufi – a traditional head garment worn by men from some African countries.

He went on: “I have the passion for the rhythm of the African and the Caribbean.

"I used to do swing dance, because I used to love jiggling about.”

A complaint was filed on October 7, and as part of an investigation into the incident, Cllr Rodwell was interviewed for an hour by Labour’s National Executive Committee.

Following the talk he has been cleared to stand as an MP candidate for Barking, The Telegraph has reported.

He announced on Twitter on October 29: “I am so honoured to have been selected as the Labour candidate for Barking.

“Thank you so much to everyone involved, to my campaign team, all those who supported me and voted.

"Together we will go forward and keep fighting for the people of Barking and the heart of Dagenham.”

After a video surfaced of the comments, the council leader apologised and said it was “extremely stupid and embarrassing”.

He said: “I have seen this old video that’s doing the rounds. Obviously, what I said at the time was extremely stupid and embarrassing.

"I deeply apologise to anyone that I have offended.

“Through representing Barking and Dagenham, I have worked tirelessly everyday to build a better world for my community, my family, and for my son who experiences racism in his life.

“I saw off the BNP with a coalition of colleagues from different backgrounds and that is the cornerstone of my leadership.

"I will continue to learn and to strive for representation in my area if I am selected to be Labour’s candidate for Barking.”

He will replace Dame Margaret Hodge as the candidate for Barking.

She has held the seat for 27 years but will not stand in the next general election.