A council debate on respect in public life was interrupted by a row between councillors which saw one calling for the other to be thrown out of the chamber.

Cheshire West and Chester’s meeting of Full Council last night saw a debate on a joint motion put forward by Labour and Conservative group leaders to back the Local Government Association’s ‘debate not hate’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of intimidation and abuse of councillors.

But during the debate itself, accusations flew and things momentarily boiled over when Conservative Cllr Jill Houlbrook (Upton) alleged another councillor had referred to her on social media as a ‘liar and a bad egg’. But at this point she was interrupted by her fellow Upton ward councillor Cllr Matt Bryan (Labour) who shouted ‘you’re a liar’.

Chairman Bob Rudd (Labour) asked him to withdraw the comment but he refused, with the chairman raising his voice and telling Cllr Bryan to ‘sit down!’. Cllr Houlbrook asked for Cllr Bryan to be ejected from the chamber. Cllr Bryan then withdrew his comment but said he would be pursuing a complaint against Cllr Houlbrook.

As the debate unfolded, other members spoke about abuse they had received during their role.

Winsford Wharton Cllr Nathan Pardoe (Labour) said: “Like others, intimidation is something I've experienced during my time as a candidate and counsellor.

“Persistent attacks online have incited incidents offline, requiring police involvement. There were threats of violence at an event I attended as mayor with my wife and son. There are no boundaries. Those responsible have even used the ill-health of my wife in public attacks.”

He said 'good people' had left public service due to abuse.

He added: "Without challenge, intimidation will continue to harm our democracy and disengage our communities, I believe these are the aims of t hose who intimidate and those who condone, endorse and enable them. ”

Winsford Gravel councillor Joanne Moorcroft (Labour), said the abuse she had received had led one of her children to suffer from anxiety.

She said: “When I stood to become a councillor I spoke to my family. They seemed fairly content that although it meant I might work later some evenings and weekends, and they may have to sort themselves out for tea it would have a minimal impact on them. Or so we all thought.

“None of us would have imagined that in less than two years, one of my children would be struggling with severe anxiety, unable to sleep, worrying that someone would try and kill me. But that was the reality.

“The unfounded allegations, accusations, vexatious complaints and threats of bringing weapons to a council meeting finally took its toll.

“Perhaps being a counsellor makes me fair game, although personally I don't believe it is.”

At the end of the debate, council leader Louise Gittins (Labour) added that it was important they all ‘learned lessons’ from  the evening, adding: “I will apologise on behalf of any of my group offended anybody else and that perhaps the other group leaders or (Conservative leader) councillor Parker could apologise on behalf of her group, for anyone who might have caused offence, and then we can all have the lovely group hug in Cheshire West and Chester Council.”

The motion was backed unanimously.