LONDON – A British government lawmaker has been fired for "offensive and foolish" behavior one week after his attendance at a Nazi-themed party came to light, according to UK media reports late Saturday.
Conservative member of parliament Aidan Burley drew a flood of criticism when he was photographed standing with a man dressed as a Nazi SS officer at a bachelor party in the French ski resort of Val Thorens.
While Burley was not believed to have taken part in any Nazi salutes or toasts, he had hired the Nazi costume, the Daily Mail reported.
After a flood of criticism, the Conservative Party said Saturday that it had removed the 32-year-old from his position as a parliamentary private secretary, national broadcaster the BBC reported.
"Aidan Burley has behaved in a manner which is offensive and foolish," a party spokesman said. "That is why he is being removed from his post as parliamentary private secretary at the Department for Transport. In light of information received the prime minister has asked for a fuller investigation into the matter to be set up and to report to him."
In an attempt to make amends, Burley took to Twitter last week, writing, "Deeply regret inappropriate behaviour by some guests at Stag party I attended and i am extremely sorry for any offence that was caused."
He also wrote to the London-based Jewish Chronicle newspaper Wednesday, apologizing for his "error of judgment."
"On reflection, I wish I had left as soon as I had realised what was happening," he wrote. "What was happening was wrong and I should have completely dissociated myself from it. I had a choice, and I made the wrong choice NOT to leave. I apologise for this error of judgment."
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.