However, in a statement released through the Conservatives, Mr Rose said: “I am today resigning as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Norwich North.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have participated in the political process and wish the party success in the upcoming election.”

Mr Rose, a former Bournemouth councillor, made controversial comments during a political debate at Thorpe St Andrew High School, near Norwich, on Monday.

In a video posted online, uploaded by the Eastern Daily Press, external, he appeared to say: “A bloke wearing a dress who identifies as a woman should be in a male prison [and] should not be allowed in women’s toilets. For goodness sake.

“How on earth, all of you ladies here, can allow a bloke in a dress to come into your loos? It’s disgusting.”

He also made comments about migrants entering the UK illegally, describing their arrival as an “invasion”.