A regional daily has urged an under fire MP not to resign – despite a sister newspaper’s calls for him to do so.

The Yorkshire Post has joined pleas for Sheffield Hallam MP Jared O’Mara to quit his post over misogynist, homophobic and racist comments made in the past, telling him in an editorial yesterday to “explain himself” or “do himself, his party and his city a favour by resigning”.

However, fellow Johnston Press daily The Star, Sheffield, splashed on the same day with the headline ‘Don’t resign – be a positive force for the city instead’.

Controversial comments alleged to have been attributed to him on an online music forum in 2004 include a suggestion Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus “only won because she was fat”, as well as homophobic and other misogynistic remarks.

In a comment piece accompanying the splash, Star editor Nancy Fielder wrote: “What kind of MP do you want? Somebody who understands your city, its people, fights your corner and reflects your views? There has long been a disconnect between Parliament and the people it is supposed to represent. So in steps an outsider who has no connection with that world, doesn’t suit the stereotype and isn’t made to fit the job. Sounds great, but he has a past.

“There is no excusing Jared O’Mara’s nasty comments. They are childish, vulgar and completely pathetic. Do they reveal his inner thoughts or illustrate how the immature behave in an online world when they want to show off, have had too much to drink or are just being stupid?”

Mr O’Mara, who has been suspended by Labour pending an investigation, was elected in June after unseating former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

He has quit his position on the Commons Women and Equalities Committee and apologised for the remarks, saying he was “deeply ashamed”.

Since both the Post and the Star ran their editorials, further comments  have been attributed to him, including claims Sheffield children were more interested in drugs and crime than watching television and that all children’s TV presenters were gay.

In Wednesday’s piece, Nancy added Mr O’Mara needs to “make amends and “be the politician this city desperately wants”, describing resigning as “the easy option”.

She wrote: “We do not need more politicians manufactured from the same background but we do want honesty, not spin. Jared needs to openly talk about his views, then use them for good. Speak up for the people and the city which elected you.

“Get yourself to Commons debates and fight for us. Talk to us, get our opinions and make that count in Westminster. Spend time volunteering, helping others, arming yourself with Sheffield demands then make a difference.

“Parliament needs different and Sheffield needs powerful leaders. Be defined by now, not the past, and use your experience to show our young people how to do the same. If you never change your mind, why have one?”

In its editorial, the Post said: “While it will take time to establish the full facts, speed is also of the essence – many voters are of the view that Sheffield Hallam has not been well-served since 8 June. They will need a lot of convincing about not only Mr O’Mara’s suitability to represent this area, but also his ability to carry out the privileged and vital role.

“In short, Jared O’Mara needs to pass the very reasonable test that Theresa May set at Prime Minister’s Questions: ‘All of us in this House should have due care and attention to the way in which we refer to other people and should show women in public life the respect they deserve.’

“If he can’t, he will be doing himself, his party and his city a favour by resigning so the people of Sheffield Hallam can elect an honourable MP who is not only cut out for the job – but totally respectful of all sections of society.”