The Liberal Democrats have condemned Conservative proposals to cut funding to black and ethnic minority groups – the plans that sparked Bristol City Council's "coconut" race row.

Lib Dem Cllr Shirley Brown (Ashley) provoked outrage after she called her Asian colleague, Conservative Cllr Jay Jethwa (Stockwood), a "coconut" at a recent council meeting.

It is a term used by black or Asian people to describe someone who is seen to be a traitor to their own race, someone who looks brown on the outside but is 'white' on the inside.

Cllr Brown made the comment after Cllr Jethwa supported a failed Tory budget amendment that would have cut funding to the Legacy Commission, an organisation that supports black and ethnic minority groups in the city.

She has since apologised but newly appointed leader of the council, Cllr Barbara Janke faced more than a dozen questions on the issue from Cllr Jethwa at last night's cabinet meeting.

Cllr Jethwa asked what action had been taken against Cllr Brown and if her comments had damaged community cohesion in Bristol.

Cllr Janke said: "I have already said the comments were inappropriate and she has apologised for them, recognising they were inappropriate and offensive. The behaviour of members from all parties does not always reflect well on their party or council. I do not believe this debate reflects well on the council, either in the substance of what was proposed or the manner in which it was debated.

"Anyone taking the high moral ground should reflect on that.

"The substance of what was proposed was deeply offensive to many people. I hope all members are alive to the need to be courteous to each other, even when passions run high."

Lib Dem cabinet members were quick to avoid suggestions from Cllr Jethwa that they condoned Cllr Brown's behaviour.

Cllr Gary Hopkins said: "I know people on our side would find the actions proposed offensive but I don't think anyone in our group supports Cllr Brown's comments."

Cllr Jethwa's argument in supporting the cuts to the £256,000 a year Legacy Commission was that, as an immigrant herself, she had not needed special treatment and the organisation was a waste of taxpayers' money.

The "coconut" comment is due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's standards committee, after the Tories and four members of the public complained. This is due to take place on April 9, shortly before the next local elections, and will be held behind closed doors for an initial assessment.

Avon and Somerset police are investigating after a complaint from a member of the public.

It was also agreed at last night's cabinet session to publish statutory notices proposing the closure of Bristol Metropolitan College on August 31 this year so it can reopen as an Academy on September 1.