A HAMPSHIRE councillor has quit as leader of his party after suggesting a woman was too ugly to be a victim of rape.

Philip Drury, who led the Liberal Democrat group on East Hampshire District Council, made the comments about 21-year-old fashion student Serena Bowes, who alleges she was sexually assaulted in Italy.

Commenting on a Facebook post, Cllr Drury wrote: “Not sure anyone would even want to think about it looking at her lol”.

Cllr Drury said he had stepped down as leader of the opposition due to “tiredness” and “working nights” but will still sit as an independent councillor for the Whitehill ward.

Ferris Cowper, Conservative leader of the council, said he was “disappointed” that Mr Drury would be allowed to remain a councillor but that there were no further powers to remove him from office.

It is understood the council has also launched an independent disciplinary investigation into the comments.

Ms Bowes has waived her right to anonymity in the case and is set to be extradited to Italy over the allegations, which police in the country dispute.