Solihull Reform UK group leader has issued an apology directly to Castle Bromwich residents for putting trust in their now disgraced former councillors.

And Cllr Samantha Gethen says Alan Feeney, Chris Whelan and Jamie Campbell – who made national headlines this week amid a racism and sexism story – "do not reflect the values of Reform".

In a statement issued minutes after Alan Feeney had resigned as a councillor on Friday afternoon (October 16) she wrote: "I want to start by saying sorry to the residents of Castle Bromwich.

"You put your trust in three councillors, and the comments reported this week were offensive, hurtful and wrong.

"They do not reflect the values of Reform, and they do not reflect the standards that you, or I, expect from anyone in public life.

"To everyone who has been hurt by what was said, I am truly sorry.

"All three councillors have now resigned, and that was the right thing to do.

"Nobody who holds those views should represent the people of Castle Bromwich.

"Castle Bromwich is a warm, welcoming and diverse community, and it deserves councillors who work hard for every resident, whatever their name, faith or background.

"In the by-elections ahead, I will be working to put forward candidates who will do exactly that: people who will listen, show up and earn your trust.

"I am proud of what Solihull is, and I am determined that Reform will be a party that represents all of it."

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.

When Mr Feeney and Mr Whelan quit the Reform UK group earlier this week, prior to ITV releasing the clips, the group leader had said: "We thank them for their hard work on behalf of residents.

"We regret this outcome, and we wish them well."

After ITV News first aired the footage, on October 14, a Reform UK group spokesperson issued a further statement saying: "Reform UK Solihull strongly condemns the misogynistic and offensive comments made by councillors Feeney and Whelan, who are both no longer Reform UK councillors.

"Cllr Campbell's comment was a joke in poor taste but with no malicious intent.

"It's something that he deeply regrets, and the party will not be taking any further action."

Alan Feeney had been deputy leader of the group after May's local elections before Jamie Campbell took on that position. According to the authority's website the group currently has no deputy leader.

An extraordinary meeting of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has been called for Monday evening, (October 19) to deal with the fall out and replace the roles the councillors used to have.

A motion has been backed by members from across the political divide including all Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green group councillors, but Reform UK councillors are not backing it.