MIDDLEWICH MP Ann Winterton has been welcomed back to the Conservative Party in Parliament after apologising for her racist 'joke' about Chinese cockle pickers who drowned at Morecambe Bay.
Lady Winterton was sacked by party leader Michael Howard after she was reported to have recited a joke about the Chinese cocklers at a dinner party in February.
The veteran politician initially refused to apologise for the remarks, insisting they had been reported inaccurately, sparking doubts about her future.
Now a change of heart has seen the Party Whip restored to her.
In a letter to Mr Howard, Lady Winterton wrote: 'Since the events which occurred at a private dinner I have explained to Parliamentary colleagues that ensuing media coverage was not only inaccurate but reported entirely out of context and that explanation was welcomed.
'However, I apologise unreservedly for repeating in private conversation an offensive e-mail circulating on the web.
'I now realise that unintentionally I caused the Chinese community distress and offence, and embarrassment for the Conservative Party, which I deeply regret.'
Tory Chief Whip David MacLean replied, saying: 'I have seen your letter to Michael containing your unreserved apology, and in these circumstances I have restored the Whip to you with immediate effect.'
Lady Winterton is alleged to have told a offensive.' joke in which a shark tells a fellow shark to 'go to Morecambe for a Chinese' after becoming bored of eating tuna.
Labour MP Nick Palmer, who was also a guest at the Whitehall dinner at which the incident happened, is believed to have leaked the comments to the media.
Lady Winterton's view that reports had taken what she said, at a Whitehall dinner to improve Anglo-Danish relations, out of context was supported by a number of Conservative back-benchers.
Mr Palmer said: 'I had no objection to Mrs Winterton, I only objected to the joke. I am glad she has recognised it was
It was the second time Mrs Winterton, 63, has found herself in trouble over attempts at humour. Two years ago she was sacked as Shadow rural affairs minister after she suggested that Asians were 'ten a penny', at a Congleton Rugby Club dinner.
Congleton Borough Council leader Roland Domleo said: 'I am very pleased that it has all been sorted out and I hope this draws to an end this very sorry and unhappy situation.
'Although Lady Winterton has always been able to represent the views of the people of Congleton, for those who know her within the party it will have come as a great relief.'
A spokesman for Ann Winterton said: 'Neither Lady Winterton nor Michael Howard will comment any further on this matter.'
