East Riding Council meeting descends into Handforth-style chaos as woman is told to 'get back in your box'

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

The meeting, which took place on Wednesday was adjourned but only after several more councillors jumped in.

Coun 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.

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

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

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

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

Coun Healy then said: “Coun Nolan mentioned devolution in response to Coun 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.”

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

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

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

Coun 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.

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

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

Coun 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.”

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

When Coun Beaumont made the comparison with Handforth Parish Council, Coun 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 Coun Smith then ordered an adjournment for five minutes.

During the vote Conservative Coun 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 1980s rock band Twisted Sister.

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