A COUNCILLOR apologised for his conduct at a heated full council meeting yesterday.

Discussing a Liberal Democrat-led motion which sought to gain approval for all council meetings to be webcast - something which was voted against - cabinet spokesperson for core services Coun Robert Frost lashed out at Coun Hannah Kitching for allegedly talking over his speech.

He said ‘shut up’ before sitting down and then apologised for ‘shouting’.

Coun Kitching said: “It’s deeply concerning that some individuals cannot control their temper.

“The outburst demonstrates just how right the council are to be terrified of additional transparency and scrutiny.”

Coun Frost added: “I deeply regret my loss of temper and remarks at the full council meeting.

‘I recognise this was not appropriate and straight away offered my apologies to the meeting at the time.

‘I reiterate those apologies to Coun Kitching and all elected members, again.

“It is important to understand, however, the wider context when elected members are subject to persistent and deliberate heckling and attempts to disrupt their remarks.

“It is right that all elected members have the chance to contribute fully to council meetings and be heard respectfully.

“Where I have fallen short of those standards, I wholeheartedly apologise.”

Council leader Sir Steve Houghton told the Chronicle: “He was interrupted and I do understand his frustration but we must all be on our best behaviour.

“Coun Frost unfortunately did lose his temper with a member of the opposition but rightly apologised.”