Don't mind you dressing up as me, says Mandela...not keen on the shirt, though

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Mandela himself.

The former South African president revealed that he had heard of the controversy - and had not taken the slightest offence.

The 88-year-old statesman urged against seeing racism at every turn.

His only objection was councillor Brian Gordon's choice of shirt, which he said did not match the quality of his celebrated wardrobe.

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Nelson Mandela's biggest objection to Brian Gordon's appearance (above) was his choice in shirt

The controversy erupted after a Liberal Democrat colleague on Barnet Council in North London complained to the Campaign for Racial Equality about Mr Gordon's appearance at a party he hosted last month to celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim.

The councillor's Nelson Mandela outfit comprised a dashiki shirt, necklace and traditional African hat.

He was so pleased with the result - which he saw as a tribute to a popular international figure - that he sent a photograph of himself to his local newspaper, prompting LibDem Stieve de Lance to accuse him of "thinly-veiled racism".

Mandela's official spokesman Zelda La Grange said she had discussed Mr Gordon's plight with the former president.

"We don't see any harm in this whatsoever. If it was a fancydress 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, tongue in cheek, that it was a rather awkward choice of shirt to resemble his usual shirts.

"We are not over-sensitive about matters like these. We should try not to read racism into actions which may be completely innocent."

Mr Gordon said last night: "I'm delighted but not in the least surprised that Nelson Mandela has come out in favour of my fancydress costume, and that says it all.

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

Barnet's Tory leader Mike Freer said: "If Mandela himself thought the whole thing was amusing, I hope the people that have been creating trouble about it will now stop.

"Miss de Lance should withdraw her complaint, which was nonsensical to start with."