The leader of the opposition leader Labour group at Waveney District Council was accused of sexually and emotionally harassing fellow councillors last night.

As previously reported Julian Swainson has come under fire over claims he posted offensive, abusive, obscene and disrespectful remarks about fellow councillors on the internet social site Twitter.

Last night at a meeting of the full council at Lowestoft town hall Mr Swainson was asked if he would follow recommendations by a sub committee of the standards committee which said he should make a full and unreserved apology to councillors and each person who had complained about his alleged internet remarks.

It was always recommended he stand down from his position on the standards committee.

However Mr Swainson said he could not make an apology last night as the Twitter affair was now a legal matter.

The question whether Mr Swainson would follow the report's recommendations was made by the Conservative councillor for Carlton Colville Kathleen Grant.

And Cllr Grant added that she believed she and her colleagues had faced 'emotional and sexual' harassment by Mr Swainson's alleged internet behaviour.

She told the meeting: 'I was expecting an apology.'

In response to not making an apology Mr Swainson said: 'It would be inappropriate for me to comment any further at this stage.'

In regard to the standards committee role Mr Swainson, who lives in Henstead and represents Lowestoft's Harbour ward, said it was to his party who was appointed on committees and that it was his belief that everyone should concentrate on working for the public good.

Before the council meeting three ex-Labour party members staged a small demonstration outside the town hall demanding the party take action over Mr Swainson.