Shocking moment Labour councillor performed a NAZI salute during heated budget meeting
Jonny Morris, 49, suspended by the Labour party following his offensive gesture aimed at Tory and Ukip rivals on Plymouth City Council
A CITY councillor has been suspended from the Labour Party after he was caught on camera performing a Nazi salute during a meeting.
Jonny Morris, 49, said he was furious at Conservative and Ukip members who called a vote to cut short debate on Plymouth City Council's budget last night.
As councillors were asked one by one for their vote, Cllr Morris outstretched his arm in the style of Hitler's henchmen.
His salute in the direction of opposing members prompted outrage in the council chamber.
It was also shown on a live stream broadcast on the council's website.
Cllr Morris apologised after the meeting , but he has been kicked out of the Labour party while officials investigate and opposition politicians suggested he should face a police racism probe.
He said: "I was very angry at the closing down of debate on Plymouth's budget by the Ukip/Tory ruling group.
"I let that anger get the better of me, and made an inappropriate and offensive gesture.
"I apologise unreservedly."
The meeting in Plymouth, Devon, saw members narrowly vote in favour of increasing council tax bills by 4.49 per cent.
Lord Mayor Pauline Murphy invited Cllr Morris to apologise to the council after his Nazi salute.
But leader of the council, Conservative Ian Bowyer, said the act could be considered a hate crime.
He said: "I think the council's monitoring officer will doubtless wish to investigate further — there are potentially serious consequences here.
"Although Cllr Morris apologised for his behaviour, in my opinion this constitutes hate crime, which is totally unacceptable."
He added: "I cannot ever recall such an uncontrolled outburst in the council chamber.
"It besmirches the reputation of public office."
Tudor Evans, leader of the Plymouth Labour group, confirmed that Cllr Morris had been suspended while the matter was investigated.
He said: "The whips are now looking into the matter.
"Obviously we take this very seriously."
Cllr Morris's gaffe comes after Linda Thomas, deputy leader of Bolton council, was filmed barking "who ate all the pies?" when she was heckled by a member of the public.
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