The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has denied a picture showing a collection of 'racist' golly figures was taken in her home.

There have been calls for her to resign over the image.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox told the CP she did not have these dolls in her home and said police were now involved in a complaint of harassment and blackmail of herself.

She said: "Whatever the images you have been sent purport to show, I can confirm that I have no such items in my home."

Hampshire Constabulary said it was not able to comment on the matter without full details.

Cllr Peacey-Wilcox, Alliance member for Cowes Medina ward, declined to answer a number of questions the CP put to her on the matter.

Pictures believed to have been taken in November appear to show a Facebook post from Cllr Peacey-Wilcox from November showing a collection of more than ten of the figures in a glass case.

The chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Geoff Brodie, told the CP the existence of the picture was first brought to his attention on November 12, 2021, when he told Cllr Peacey-Wilcox he thought she should resign.

He said expected her to quit the job on November 18.

Cllr Brodie said: "She clearly chose not to.

"She had told me that she was also taking advice from Cllrs Stephens, Bacon and Jordan.

"I never did get an explanation as to what had happened regarding the publication of the images, although I did seek one.

"After November 18 she stood down as leader temporarily, with Cllr Stephens covering for her."

Cllr Brodie said last Thursday he was sent the offending image for the first time by a person asking me as civic leader to take action to protect the council's reputation.

"As a result I have a one-to one meeting with Lora arranged to take place very soon.

"Given that these images are now quite clearly about to enter the public domain, at our meeting I will be seeking appropriate action from her.

"I do believe these images being placed on social media and becoming public knowledge contravenes the council's policies on equality and diversity."

He said no other council members or officials were involved in his dealings.

Cllr Joe Robertson, leader of the Tory group on the council, said: "If it is true, it is of very serious concern that the leader of the Isle of Wight Council appears to have a collection of dolls on display which are widely considered to be racist.

"The leader has responsibility for championing equality and diversity as well as ensuring that the council represents all residents regardless of their ethnic background."

He said if proven, he did not see how somebody could continue as leader of a modern local authority as it would have wide-ranging implications for the reputation of the whole council and whether residents could have confidence in its commitment to equality and diversity.

He added: ""The leader must give a full and detailed explanation of the content and context of the photos without delay."