North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack has criticised in-fighting between councillors at Leicestershire County Council, after the leader of the authority, Dan Harrison, alleged that another councillor had made violent threats against him.

In a full council meeting on Wednesday 3 December, the Reform UK council leader used a speech to level accusations against the deputy leader of LCC's Conservative group.

In a speech read out by Cllr Harrison, he said: 'I met with Mrs Taylor (Cllr Deborah Taylor) and Mr Smith (Cllr Craig Smith) her deputy leader on 28th October, along with my deputy Mr Kevin Crook, to try and agree a new protocol dealing with how our respective groups could agree to end direct personal attacks on each other and keep politic comment and discourse to policy, where it should be.

'However, Mr Chairman,' said Cllr Harrison, 'towards the end of that meeting, on 28th October, which I thought was a robot exchange of views in front of witnesses, Mr Smith threatened me physical violence and to 'knock my block off' if I hurt someone he cared for.

'Mr Crook had to intervene to calm the situation down, but naturally I was frightened for my personal safety and remain weary of him in personal meetings.'

Cllr Harrison went on to say he had reported the matter to the police and that he was not satisfised that the leader of the Conservative group had dealt with the matter effectively.

He then called on the Conservative group to take 'whatever corrective action' was necessary.

In response, Cllr Taylor said she 'completely rejects' Cllr Harrison's version of events and claimed threats had also been made against herself and Cllr Smith during the meeting.

Local MP Amanda Hack has responded to this exchange at Leicestershire County Council, saying: 'The allegations emerging from County Hall about the conduct of Cllr Smith are deeply concerning.

'Whatever political disagreements there are, high standards of behaviour are essential if councillors are to work in the best interests of residents - which should always be their priority.

'Since May's elections, County Hall has been mired in infighting and complaints between councillors from both Reform and the Tories.

'Meanwhile, there has been little meaningful delivery for residents, despite increased funding from our Labour Government for buses, school meals and roads.'

The full live-streamed council meeting can be watched by clicking here, with the start of Cllr Harrison's statement at 23:18.