An NDP candidate criticized for having racy photos on his Facebook page has stepped down.

Ray Lam was running in Vancouver-False Creek.

Liberal opponent Mary McNeil criticized several photos on Lam's Facebook page, saying they were inappropriate.

One showed a photo of Lam clutching a woman's breast, while another showed two people grabbing Lam's underwear.

Brian Gardiner is with NDP Communications, "Unfortunately...Ray has offered to step down from the race, and felt that some of the materials that have become public, he did not want that to be a distraction to the campaign.  And in light of that, he has stepped down and will not be a candidate for us in the upcoming election."

Gardiner admits the photographs were not private on Lam's Facebook page per se, meaning a visitor didn't have to be signed up as Lam's friend to view them, but says there are concerns about other levels of security on a private Facebook page.

Gardiner would not elaborate, saying it was out of respect for Lam.

He says the photos in question have been removed from Lam's Facebook page.

In a written statement, Lam said, "An issue was made regarding inappropriate material on my private Facebook page.  I regret this material and the associated comments that have now become public."

Lam also apologized to Carole James, the NDP and the voters of Vancouver-False Creek.

The NDP says it will nominate a new candidate in the next few days.

 

 

(Photos courtesy of Facebook- Ray Lam)