A WINCHESTER city councillor has apologised for swearing at another councillor during a council meeting.

In a leaked email, seen by the Chronicle, Cllr James Byrnes accused Cllr Kim Gottlieb of swearing at him in front of other councillors, during a break in proceedings.

Now Cllr Byrnes has called for the party to sack Cllr Gottlieb.

In an email to Cllr Linda Gemmell, manager of the Conservative group, Cllr Byrnes wrote: “During the break in proceedings when Councillors Horrill and Thompson were discussing Lucille's amendment I was stood at the back of the chamber next to my seat.

"Cllr Kim Gottlieb came and spoke to Cllr Gemmell to ask for her permission to vote against the Conservative position on one of the matters before us.

“I suggested that, as he had already voted against us once that evening (when I moved a motion during questions) perhaps he could find his way to supporting his party in the remaining votes. I do not believe this is an unreasonable expectation to have of one's party colleague.

“Unfortunately, Cllr Gottlieb replied by telling me to (explicit language) so loudly that at least three other councillors heard and turned around to see what was happening.”

In his complaint, he added: "If Councillor Gottlieb is incapable of interacting with his member and officer colleagues in a polite and respectful manner then perhaps the work of council would proceed better without his presence."

Cllr Byrnes has now called on Cllr Gottlieb to apologise in public to him at the next meeting.

Cllr Byrnes said: "I do think it's highly inappropriate - for one councillor to try to bully another at a formal meeting just for asking him to show a little loyalty to his party is not behaviour the people of this district deserve from their elected representatives.

"I have since met with Caroline Horrill and Linda Gemmell (our group manager) and Caroline has agreed that his behaviour was outrageous and that he should apologise.

"As we speak I am yet to receive any such apology so I await action by Caroline. However, given his transgression took place at a public meeting I think he really ought to make his apology at the next public meeting of full council."

As reported in the Chronicle previously, there has been bullying allegations centred on Cllr Gottlieb before, including a hard-hitting email by former Chief Executive Simon Eden, who strongly criticised him with allegations of inappropriate and "bullying behaviour".

Cllr Gottlieb single-handedly derailed the first Silver Hill scheme with a successful legal action in the High Court.

Cllr Gottlieb admitted that he swore at Cllr Byrnes during an exempt session, and said he has apologised.

Cllr Gottlieb said: "It is very bad form for any councillor to disclose anything said in any exempt session but, in response to this breach of protocol, I cannot tell a lie, I did hastily recommend to another that they engaged in procreation and travel.

"It was, however, in the context of a private conversation and, in the given circumstances, it seemed to be an entirely appropriate suggestion. I have already apologised to the Mayor for the consternation, if any, caused."

A spokesman for Winchester City Council said: "There was a private exchange between members during a recess at the city council meeting on Wednesday 5 April 2017.

"This was raised with the chairman of the meeting and has been dealt with by the Leader of the council and the councillors involved. No official complaint was made or investigation launched."