IT was set to be an East Riding Council meeting like any other.

What began as typical East Riding Council meeting later descended into back and forths, accusations, swearing, muting and a sudden adjournment when discussing a motion on alleged Hull merger rumours.

It led to the Liberal Democrat opposition’s Deputy Leader Denis Healy claiming debate was being “stifled” before being muted, then a senior Conservative applauded and said: “f*** him”.

Opposition leader Cllr David Nolan then told Conservative group secretary Cllr Felicity Temple to “get back in your box”.

The meeting, which took place yesterday (Wednesday, February 24) was adjourned but only after several more councillors jumped in.

Cllr Kevin Beaumont said: “This is making us look like Handforth Parish Council quite frankly.”

Councillors were listening to opposition leader present his motion raising concerns over rumours alleged to be circulating that the East Riding and Hull City Council could merge.

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But he was cut off minutes into his speech by Cllr Temple raising a point of order on Cllr Nolan’s references to timetables for devolution.

Cllr Nolan then said: “I think I’m trying to get there but I’m being interrupted after a minute.

“Cllr Temple doesn’t actually seem to contribute anything to democracy apart from interrupting people.

“My motion says there are rumours of a local government reorganisation in the area which was on a merger of the two councils.”

Cllr Nolan continued but when he referred to a vote in October calling for consultation on devolution proposals that was defeated Cllr Temple interjected saying: “That’s democracy”.

Council leader Richard Burton then raised a point of order over the discussion straying into devolution.

Cllr Healy then said: “Cllr Nolan mentioned devolution in response to Cllr Burton mentioning it.

“If ever there was an affront to democracy it’s the ruling group trying to prevent the opposition leader from getting his words out.”

Cllr Healy was then muted and Enhancing Communities portfolio holder Cllr McMaster applauded, gave a double thumbs up and said: “Wa-hey, great, f*** him.”

Cllr Healy has since filed a formal complaint against the portfolio holder.

Cllr Nolan then continued before council chair Cllr Pat Smith then told him to stop talking about devolution and to stick to the subject.

Cllr Nolan said: “I’m just constantly being interrupted, this is ridiculous.

“I want to talk about the rumours of why there’s going to be a combined authority and all I’m getting is harassed and barracked by the majority group.

Cllr Temple said: “Your motion is about rumours that I think you might have started on whether we’re merging with Hull City Council.

Cllr Nolan responded: “That’s you again interrupting again, why don’t you get back in your box?”

Cllr Temple said: “It is my role as group secretary to interrupt and to bring you to account because frankly you’re straying from the subject, again.”

Cllr Nolan said: “This council is undemocratic – it doesn’t allow members to speak, it’s a disgrace.”

When Cllr Beaumont made the comparison with Handforth Parish Council, Cllr Nolan said: “Well if people act like Handforth Parish Council that’s what you end up with, it’s appalling that you’re interrupting.”

Chair Cllr Smith then ordered an adjournment for five minutes.

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During the vote Conservative Cllr Paul Nickerson said: “I vote we bring in Jackie Weaver”.

The debate got back on track and councillors later passed an alternative Conservative motion stating the council was opposed to any boundary changes with Hull with public approval.

But a later debate on the mandatory registration of home schooled children was then briefly interrupted by a picture of 1980’s rock band Twisted Sister.

Cllr Nickerson, who screen shared the photo during Cllr Ben Weeks’ speech, later posted an apology letter to council Chief Executive Caroline Lacey on Twitter.