A furious opposition councillor clashed with the council leader after being refused permission to speak at a cabinet meeting.

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, who is deputy leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East Council, attended Thursday morning's (July 2) meeting in Crewe to ask questions about the authority's finances and the waste strategy.

Council leader Nick Mannion (Lab) said she had not registered in time to speak and as the leader and cabinet system had just been introduced 'I'm going to be extremely strict of my interpretation of the constitution on this'.

He said a written response would be provided to the submitted questions.

Monitoring officer Kevin O'Keefe then said three 'clear' days were required to register, so for Thursday's meeting, councillors needed to have registered by midnight Friday.

Cllr Wardlaw angrily disputed the decision during the meeting, leading to the monitoring officer at one stage saying: "If I could speak, Cllr Wardlaw, without interruption, that would be useful."

The Odd Rode councillor later told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I'm furious.

"I submitted my request to register to speak on Monday.

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"There was no return email saying I was too late to register.

"Furthermore, I was then asked at 10.18am on Wednesday, July 1, if I would submit my questions.

"Apparently, Monday to Thursday does not equal three clear days!"

She then referred to a speech made by deputy council leader Michael Gorman (Ind) at the very beginning of the meeting referring to the council launching new ways to improve communications with residents.

"Is this democracy? Is this listening as promised by Cllr Gorman?" fumed, the Tory councillor, adding: "Cllr Mannion has absolute authority to allow speakers at his meetings. What is he afraid of?"