THE county councillor who collapsed during a stormy emergency meeting of Lancashire County Council on Friday is recovering.

Morecambe North Independent county councillor Tony Jones became ill with suspected heart problems as the council discussed a Labour motion of no confidence in its Tory leader, County Cllr Geoff Driver.

Jo Turton, the authority’s chief executive, said: “County Cllr Jones received prompt first aid and was taken to hospital for treatment. I’d like to thank councillors and staff for their swift action and send best wishes to Cllr Jones and his family on behalf of the county council. I understand that County Cllr Jones’s condition has stabilised over the weekend and we hope he continues to make good progress towards recovery.”

The mover of the Labour motion County Cllr John Fillis, a trained nurse, and Pendle Rural Liberal Democrat David Whipp rushed across to help County Cllr Jones before the meeting was suspended and abandoned at 4pm.