A Ukip councillor has asked for an apology after the boss of an energy company made a joke about the party's former leader Nigel Farage dying.

Eastern Daily Press: Library image from the SNS 2016 Offshore Energy conference at the Norfolk Showground showing Jonathan Cole managing director of Scottish Power Renewables. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYLibrary image from the SNS 2016 Offshore Energy conference at the Norfolk Showground showing Jonathan Cole managing director of Scottish Power Renewables. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Managing director of Scottish Power Renewables Jonathan Cole made the remarks at a speech he gave to business leaders and councillors in Great Yarmouth yesterday about the economy.

After paying tribute to some of the famous people who died in 2016, Mr Cole said unfortunately that list did not include Nigel Farage.

The leader of the Ukip group on the council, Kay Grey, walked out of the town hall's Assembly Room after the comments were made.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Grey said it was a disgusting comment.

Eastern Daily Press: Kay Grey the group leader of Ukip on the borough council. Picture: James BassKay Grey the group leader of Ukip on the borough council. Picture: James Bass

'I don't like Sturgeon or Corbyn or even Cameron particularly but I would never wish death on someone,' she said.

'If he can't see what he said was inappropriate and be man enough to apologise then he should not be a managing director of a company.'

'Big business men need to realise that Ukip are here to stay,' the borough councillor added.

After the local elections in May Ukip became the second largest party on Great Yarmouth borough council. The town is one the party's heartlands in England.

A spokesperson for Scottish Power said: 'Jonathan was asked to deliver a lighthearted review of 2016, and he made clear immediately to the audience that his comment was entirely in jest. We apologise to anyone who has taken offence from the remarks.

'During his speech Jonathan gave a very balanced view of recent world issues, and stressed that Brexit would not impact on major projects like the East Anglia ONE offshore wind farm that is due to start construction next year.'