A Barnet councillor resisting calls to resign after he impersonated Nelson Mandela has been backed by the most unlikely of sources - Mr Mandela himself.

This newspaper contacted Mr Mandela through his South Africa-based charity, Nelson Mandela Foundation, asking him to comment on Brian Gordon blacking up' as him for the Jewish festival of Purim.

Mr Gordon has been accused of poor judgement and taste, and even racism by some after this newspaper printed the above photo of him in fancy dress as the the former South African president. Mr Gordon denies it was a racist gesture and says his impersonating of Mr Mandela was a show of respect.

Zelda la Grange, Mr Mandela's personal assistant and spokeswoman, told this newspaper on Friday she had discussed Mr Gordon's behaviour with Mr Mandela.

Ms la Grange said: "We don't see any harm in this whatsoever. If it was a fancy dress party and people were expected to arrive as a character or famous person, we are convinced there was no ill intent behind this.

"Mr Mandela commented, however, on the choice of the shirt and said - tongue-in-cheek - that it was a rather awkward choice to resemble his usual shirts.

"We hope that clarifies the position. We are not oversensitive about matters like these. While we need to be respectful towards the character in events of this nature, we should try not to read racism into actions which may be completely innocent."

After learning he had Mr Mandela's backing, Mr Gordon said: "I'm delighted but not in the least surprised that Mr Mandela is in favour of my fancy dress, and that says it all.

"Hopefully this will see the end of a ridiculous storm in a tea cup and we can all concentrate on more important matters."

Last Tuesday, Hendon MP Andrew Dismore registered an Early Day Motion in Parliament condemning Mr Gordon's behaviour as a pathetic and offensive attempt at fancy dress'.

By Monday 20 MPs, including Finchley and Golders Green MP Rudi Vis, had added their signatures to the motion.

The pressure on Mr Gordon to resign increased further on Thursday after this newspaper found an article published 30 years ago, when Mr Gordon - then a candidate in a Burnt Oak by-election - had called for an end to immigration because it was making Britain the dustbin' of the world.

Mr Gordon declined to comment on what he said in 1977.

Andrew Dismore Mp wrote in a letter this week: "When racists and anti-Semites are caught out, their first response is usually to say all was in jest, no offence was intended and why can't the butt of their behaviour have a sense of humour? But racism, like anti-Semitism, is no joking matter, and those in public life should think carefully about what is done and said by them and in their name."

Mr Dismore also took a swipe at council leader Mike Freer, who has been selected to contest Dr Vis' seat at the next general election. "After Mr Mandela's decades of incarceration by apartheid South Africa, his quiet dignity is a role model for us all," Mr Dismore said. "It is a pity the same can't be said of Mr Gordon and the council's Conservative leaders with parliamentary aspirations who have defended his conduct."

Mr Freer said: "I don't think anyone would want to argue with Mr Mandela. I've taken soundings from the black community and most I've spoken to said perhaps it was little unwise but they don't believe any offence was intended."

Barnet Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Stieve De Lance, who has reported Mr Gordon to the Commission for Racial Equality saying it was thinly veiled racism', said: "Nelson Mandela is such a magnanimous man who is very generous and forgiving, especially towards a rival. He won the Nobel Peace Prize and was able to forgive his captors. To consider he would behave in any less way toward someone such as Mr Gordon is quite unthinkable."

Ms De Lance has also reported Mr Gordon to the council's director of corporate governance, Jeff Lustig, who reviews members' ethical responsibilities.