KEY council committee meetings could be put in jeopardy after a spat broke out over who would get a vote.

Committees on Colchester Council are usually based on the political make-up of the authority.

The Conservatives hold the highest number of seats, but the ruling coalition is made up of Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Highwoods Independent group.

The independent group usually holds position on important committees including planning, licensing and the controversial local plan committee.

However, two of their three members now hold posts which would usually prevent them from sitting on committees.

Gerard Oxford is the town’s mayor, which is a non-political role, and his wife, Beverley, is mayoress but still holds a cabinet post.

The third Highwoods Independent councillor, their son Phillip Oxford, is set to continue on the planning committee.

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) proposed a motion to change the make up of committees.

The move was blocked by Tory group leader Dennis Willetts.

He said: “This council has a long history of maintaining scrupulous balance on committees. That is a principle I thought all sides of this chamber believed in.

“There are two possible exemptions set out – you can deviate if one political party has an overall majority or if the council otherwise agrees, not when it is convenient for the coalition.

“We believe it is good for democracy for there to be no skew and wish to see the allocation of seats on the major committees representing the composition of the council.

“The council is now in an extraordinary position where two important committees are not yet formed.”

Mr Smith said: “It is quite clear this proposal is not to reduce the representation of the Conservative group. It represents the fact the independent group has three members.

“One is now the mayor, the other the mayor’s escort that leave one other to serve on the committees.

“It is a very difficult workload and the group put forward a very reasonable proposal to give up their positions on a couple of the committees.

“There is no point appointing somebody to a committee if they cannot attend the meetings or take a full part in it.”

Mr Smith was forced to back down and allow some committees to be formed so a planning meeting could go ahead.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said discussions were ongoing as to whether vacant seats will be filled on the local plan and licensing committees.

The make-up of committees has been a key factor in decision making, such as Tollgate Village, and the dispute continues.