WORCESTERSHIRE Euro-MP Liz Lynne has said she will vote down the whole commission next week unless a controversial member is removed from his position as portfolio holder for equal opportunities.

Commissioner designate Rocco Buttiglione, of Italy, has been given the task of promoting equal opportunities across Europe, but this week stunned MEPs with a range of shocking comments.

He admitted he considered homosexuality a sin and described marriage as existing to allow women to have children and be protected by a man.

He also said single mothers do not make good parents.

The European Parliament has no power to reject individual commissioners and may only approve or reject the entire 25-member commission

The Liberal Democrat MEP said precedent could be set if it rejects the commissioners in a vote next week in Strasbourg.

"This is the first time ever that MEPs have voted to oppose the nomination of a Commissioner for the portfolio he has been allocated," she said.

"Now we have to insist that the views of the elected Parliament take precedence over those of the appointed Commission."

She said she hoped - even at this late stage - that a compromise could still be reached to put Mr Buttiglione in charge of another portfolio and replace him with a more appropriate candidate.

"I am not against him as a person," she added.

"But it is not appropriate that the man in charge of equal opportunities should regard homosexuality as a sin and hold a very limited view of the role of women."