A SENIOR Liberal Democrat councillor has been accused of breaking council conduct rules for accusing this Tory opponents of being ‘charlatans’, ‘cheats’, ‘liars’ and ‘scoundrels’.

Pendle Council's Tory group leader Joe Cooney has officially complained about Lord Tony Greaves' ‘personal insults’ during last week’s Budget debate.

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He has asked Philip Mousdale, Pendle Council’s corporate director, to investigate the remarks as potential breach of the authority’s code of conduct which says councillors must ‘always treat people with respect’.

Lord Greaves said he would apologise for using the word ‘liars’ but stands by the remainder as ‘within the normal language of robust political debate’.

The complaint follows the Liberal Democrat last month calling for a police and council investigation into whether a Conservative Party event in Nelson with a free hot meal breached electoral rules.

Cllr Cooney said: “I understand councillors can disagree and should debate differing views but at the meeting last week Cllr Greaves has gone onto personal insults, using words such as ‘charlatans’, ‘cheats’, ‘liars’ and ‘scoundrels’.

“He is a senior councillor and a member of the Lords.

“He should be able to debate differing points of view without resorting to personal insults.

“As councillors we have a responsibility to treat each other with respect.

“I would hope Pendle Council will want to send a clear message such abuse isn’t acceptable and ensure Cllr Greaves issues a public apology and retracts the abusive comments.”

Lord Greaves said: “They are getting sensitive.

“I will apologise for the use of the word liars but not the rest.

“They are within the normal language of robust political debate and I believe within the code of conduct.

“The Conservatives recent behaviour has been disgraceful and their claims beyond normal political exaggeration.

“They are angry about the complaint about their event in Nelson.”

Mr Mousdale said: “ I can confirm that I’ve received a complaint.

“As monitoring officer for the council I’m looking into the complaint.”

Cllr Cooney said in response to Lord Greaves comments: “What a pile of nonsense.”

He added: “Cllr Greaves is just angry that our party is growing and his is diminishing.

“He doesn’t like losing power.”