Tory political assistant apologises

The Tory political assistant who was recorded allegedly plotting the downfall of a senior Royal Borough councillor has apologised for his behaviour.

Andreé Walker said today: "I have listened to the tape. I have apologised for what I said and for any hurt or offence caused."

Mr Walker, who was paid to provide support to the ruling Conservatives, was taped speaking on the phone on a Windsor-bound train about Conservative councillor Alison Knight, who is deputy leader of the council.

He resigned on Friday after the tape was posted on-line by a nearby passenger who recorded part of Tuesday night's conversation.