AN EALING Conservative councillor is in hot water for making "insensitive and inappropriate comments" on a website.

On his personal blog, Northfield ward councillor Phil Taylor described society's most vulnerable people as "basket cases", and said people with the worst health in the borough had made "crap choices all their lives".

The astonishing remarks were written in response to a presentation by Ealing PCT, at a meeting of the health, housing and adult social services panel on November 29.

Ruth Barnes, from the trust, told the panel reducing health inequalities was the PCT's number one priority.

But Cllr Taylor vented his disagreement by making the insensitive comments on his web page. He wrote: "If you follow the inequality logic to its natural conclusion, you end up pushing all of your health resources at people who are basket cases."

The outspoken councillor also said it was "obvious" to him that the poor would have poorer health than those who live "in places like Hanger Hill, where homes cost about £2million."

Cllr Taylor has been roundly criticised for the remarks by opposition members, who were "dismayed and concerned" that Tory councillors had failed to condemn the comments.

Cllr Phil Greenhead, Labour shadow cabinet member for children and adult services, said: "It is extremely disappointing that the Conservatives will not condemn these insensitive and inappropriate comments.

"Reducing health inequalities is one of the most vital roles the council plays, and it is a matter of some concern that a councillor who holds these views sits on the Conservative benches."

Leader Cllr Jason Stacey simply said: "It is vital we are careful of the language we use, and we must never lose sight of the fact that the choices available to many of us are often not available to all.

"We, as a council, are determined to play a positive role in extending opportunities to lead a healthy lifestyle and ensuring no groups are left behind in access to health provision."