An Isle of Wight councillor has insisted his conduct has not breached the law or council rules.

Cllr Geoff Brodie, who represents Pan & Barton, said his angry comments at meetings on September 30 and October 1 were prompted by two issues: the lack of a public declaration of rented property interests by fellow councillor, Caroline Gladwin, and his belief that Reform UK is a racist party.

During heated exchanges in the council chamber, Cllr Brodie called Cllr David Adams and the chairman, Cllr Ian Dore, racist. The meeting was suspended and the row was reported in the national press. Cllr Brodie subsequently apologised to Cllr Dore, but not to Cllr Adams.

The council’s monitoring officer has confirmed that Cllr Gladwin’s declarations of interests are in order.

“Sadly calling out racism on this Council is not allowed, whether at the recent Full Council or back in the past,” Cllr Brodie said. He added that he had been on holiday in Italy when reports emerged that a complaint had been made to Hampshire Constabulary. In correspondence with police, he asked for confirmation of any charge. The reply stated: “It has been deemed not a matter for police as no criminal offences have been committed. The report has been closed.”

Mr Brodie also said he had received no notification from the Monitoring Officer of any complaint against him in relation to the incident. In more than 20 years on the council, he said only one complaint had ever been upheld, in 2015, for which he had apologised.

Addressing accusations of bullying, Mr Brodie said: “I am getting tired of being accused of bullying by a very few women councillors when they don’t pull the wool over my eyes. Whether from female or male I will always stand up against what I see as being wrong.”