A COUNCILLOR was told he would be thrown out of a council meeting by the Mayor if he didn't stop swearing.

Leader of the minority Lib Dem party on Blackburn with Darwen Council Paul Browne, repeatedly clashed with Labour Mayor Michael Barrett during last night's meeting of the full council.

During a discussion about the prospect of TV crews being allowed to follow employees around for a fly-on-the-wall documentary series for ITV, Coun Browne was interrupted by Corporation Park Labour councillor Dave Harling.

Coun Browne, who represents Sudell ward in Darwen, responded by saying that he was "bl**dy sick and tired of being interrupted by him in the blue shirt," referring to Coun Harling.

And when Coun Barrett tried to pull Coun Browne up on his use of 'bad language' in the council chamber, Coun Browne said: "Why aren't you telling him to keep quiet while I speak?

"I apologise for using bad language but every time this meeting is held, he sits there and barracks. You should reprimand him."

Coun Barrett said: "As mayor of the borough, I will decide who can speak and when in this chamber and when it is right to pull somebody in to line.

"If you do not behave, then I will have no choice but to ask you to leave," which prompted a cheer from the Labour benches.

Later in the meeting, during a dicussion on councillor expenses, Coun Browne attempted to call for a point of order -- asking for an immediate correction to something someone said -- after feeling aggrieved by a comment made by Labour councillor Sue Reid.

When asked to sit down by the Mayor, Coun Browne said: "Don't speak to me like some little boy. It's not on."

Coun Barrett said: "I have warned you before. Either you behave or I will ask you to leave."

Five minutes later, Coun Browne did leave.

Afterwards, he said: "Mayors are supposed to politically neutral."