A SENIOR Liberal Democrat Powys County Councillor has apologised and deleted a tweet after using the "f-word" to describe the Conservative Party.

Cllr Jackie Charlton (Llangattock), who is also the chairman of the Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrat Association, used the word to describe the Tories in a twitter discussion with fellow Liberal Democrats on the performance of UK Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer, and on the proportional representation system of voting.

As part of the conversation Cllr Charlton tweeted to one user: “You obviously won’t be supporting us then. Never mind.

“I don’t think you are going to change your mind so perhaps time to stop this dialogue.

“Take care and let’s all agree on one thing, the Tories are f****** awful.”

Despite her using asterisks to hide the offensive word, the tweet led to an outcry from Tories on the social media platform, including Cllr James Evans, the prospective Conservative Senedd candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire.

Cllr Evans responded: “Nice to see a local Liberal Democrat County Councillor respect people with other political views.

“I believe in debate and holding people to account but that language is not acceptable.”

He was joined in his condemnation of Cllr Charton’s use of the word by other Conservative politicians and activists,  including Brecon and Radnorshire Conservative Association chairman, Peter Weavers, who took umbrage on behalf of the "21,958 people of Brecon and Radnorshire who voted Conservative at the General Election".

Cllr Charlton, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, said she was “hugely embarrassed” by the situation.

She apologised and deleted the tweet on Monday night.

She has also spoken  to Cllr James Gibson-Watt (Glasbury) leader of the Powys Council Liberal Democrat and Green group and apologised to him and the group.

Cllr Charton said: “I made some inappropriate comments and apologise unreservedly.

“I am just down and depressed about where we are. Sorry.”

Powys County Council has been contacted for a comment.

Cllr Evans is hoping to gain the seat from the Lib Dems at the forthcoming Senedd election, as the party's existing candidate – the Education Minister Kirsty Williams – is standing down. Cllr William Powell will be standing for the Lib Dems.