Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's leader said she was "appalled" by the racist and misogynist remarks made by three former Reform UK councillors caught in an undercover ITV sting.

And Conservative Cllr Karen Grinsell has revealed the authority had received a number of formal complaints over the conduct of former councillors Alan Feeney, Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan.

In a statement released on Friday afternoon (October 16) the leader wrote: "I know many residents will have been disgusted. I share those feelings.

"This isn't who we are as a council and does not represent Solihull as a borough.

"The deeply racist, misogynist and discriminatory language is disturbing.

"The monitoring officer received a number of formal complaints, which they would have investigated fully had any of the individuals involved remained as councillors, but they have all now resigned from their positions."

The leader confirmed an extraordinary meeting scheduled for Monday night to deal with the fallout will still go ahead despite the resignations.

The roles of the former councillors, including deputy mayor of the authority which Mr Feeney had held, are set to be replaced at the meeting.

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"A by-election will be held at the earliest possible opportunity to fill the three vacant positions for ward councillors in Castle Bromwich," the leader said.

"I've been heartened by how universally their comments have been condemned and I don't want this ugly incident to overshadow the fact that Solihull is a great place to live, and everyone is welcome here."

Clips released from ITV documentary Undercover: A Year in Reform had exposed Alan Feeney and Jamie Campbell making racist comments, while Chris Whelan was shown making racist and misogynistic remarks.

The documentary is to be screened on Sunday night.