A Conservative politician is being investigated by party chiefs after allegedly saying: "All white men should have a black man as a slave".
County councillor Andrew Edwards is also accused of saying black people were of "lower class" than white people during a 16-second clip.
The audio recording appeared online and was identified as Edwards' voice before he referred himself to ombudsmen and left the party.
The Conservative Party confirmed it was investigating the allegations but the Pembrokeshire County councillor had not yet been suspended.
Pembrokeshire County councillor Andrew Edwards has since left the Conservative Party
Wikimedia Commons
On the recording, the speaker says: "Nothing wrong with the skin colour at all.
"I think all white men should have a black man as a slave or black woman as a slave, you know.
"There's nothing wrong with skin colour, it's just that they're lower class than us white people."
Currently it is unclear where the 16-second clip was recorded.
Edwards, who represents the Haverfordwest Prendergast ward, said: "I am aware of such serious allegations being made against me.
"This is why I have self-referred to the Public Services Ombudsman for an independent evaluation.
"It is now in the hands of legal experts and the ombudsman. It would be unfair on the process for me to comment."
The ombudsman's office has confirmed it had received Edwards' self-referral.
Andrew Edwards referred himself to ombudsmen following the allegations
Wikimedia Commons
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire council said: "We are aware of an allegation being made and have referred the matter to the ombudsman.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further."
The council's Conservative group leader, Di Clements, said Edwards left the party group on the council on Tuesday but would not comment further until the ombudsman's report.
