The leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has apologised after questioning whether a fellow councillor felt “ineffective and superfluous”.

Long-standing Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge called the comments directed at him as “unacceptable and disappointing”.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday January 21, Cllr Etheridge, the leader of the Independent group of councillors, had asked what measures were being taken by the ruling Labour group to work with opposition and backbench councillors.

Cllr Etheridge also asked council leader Philippa Marsden how she proposed to make scrutiny committees “more challenging and effective in dealing with issues of concern for our residents”.

Cllr Marsden responded: “I wondered why you were asking me these questions. Is it because you are feeling ineffective and superfluous as a councillor?”

She went on to say the authority’s scrutiny committees have worked in a “fair and balanced way” for many years, but pointed out the Independent group had not taken up positions offered.

“I must say I find it really strange that you are asking for more involvement in democracy when your group constantly fails to be involved in it as it stands,” Cllr Marsden added.

After the meeting, Cllr Etheridge called for a public apology from the leader.

He said: “I found it unacceptable and very disappointing in open session by the new leader after a constructive question but I am sure after she has reflected on the situation a public apology will be issued.”

Cllr Marsden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it wasn’t her intention to offend or upset Cllr Etheridge and apologised if he had felt that way.

She said: “Cllr Etheridge is a dedicated public servant who I have known for many years and I would sincerely hope this would not affect our relationship as I respect him as a councillor.

“The council chamber is a place for healthy democratic debate and this often includes frank exchanges and political sparring between members.

“I look forward to working with him in moving the organisation and county borough forward and I am sure our conversations will involve some further robust political debates.”