POLICE were called to eject a Basildon councillor from a meeting last night.

In “farcical” scenes, Essex Police officers attended the full council meeting held in the St George's Suite of The Basildon Centre on Thursday evening.

Police officers were directed to eject Nethermayne councillor Kerry Smith, leader of the Independent Group, from the meeting.

The meeting, which began at 7pm, descended into chaos in just 30 minutes.

Conservative leader of the council Andrew Baggott spoke during the announcements stage of the meeting to set out the council’s opposition to Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) extension.

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Taking exception to the speech, councillor Kerry Smith accused the leader of “incorrectly using the announcements section to make a Conservative Party Political Broadcast”.

Echo: Councillor Andrew Baggott addresses the meetingCouncillor Andrew Baggott addresses the meeting (Image: Basildon Council)

Mr Mackenzie warned him to “stop interrupting members” or he would call a motion for him not to be heard.

Smith retorted: “Why not do it now? Don’t just make threats. This is England.

“The independent group takes a leaf put of Churchill’s book.

“Don’t make idle threats, do.”

Echo: Councillors Kerry Smith and Luke Mackenzie go back and forthCouncillors Kerry Smith and Luke Mackenzie go back and forth (Image: Basildon Council)

Mr Mackenzie then moved for the Smith to be removed from the meeting, with the majority of councillors voting for the motion.

A recess was then called until Mr Smith left to which he responded: “I ain’t going nowhere.”

He refused to leave and at 9pm, almost an hour and a half after the vote to remove Mr Smith, police were called to the building.

Echo: Councillor Mackenzie motioned for Mr Smith to be removedCouncillor Mackenzie motioned for Mr Smith to be removed (Image: Basildon Council)

One councillor described the scenes as “farcical”.

Once again, Mr Smith refused to leave, instead engaging the officers in conversation.

After about 15 minutes the police left stating no laws had been broken and Mr Smith stayed until the end of the meeting.

Echo: Councillor Smith engages with policeCouncillor Smith engages with police (Image: Alex Harrison)

The meeting was called back at 10.55pm, however the rest of the agenda was voted through without debate and with all questions from the public cancelled.

The council says questions can be submitted in writing.

More to follow on this story later.