THE deputy leader of Bolton Council faces a disciplinary hearing after accusations of bullying rival councillors.

Both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups have confirmed they are to lodge formal complaints against Cllr Guy Harkin, following comments he made at a Town Hall meeting.

The leader of the Lib Dems, Cllr Barbara Ronson, is outraged that Cllr Harkin publicly accused members of her group of breaking the law by voting together on planning applications.

She claimed Cllr Harkin had acted aggressively towards her councillors and used "bullying" tactics against them at the meeting of planning and highways committee.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Ronson said: "He was being completely out of order and we are not prepared to accept this bully-boy behaviour."

Cllr Norman Critchley, deputy leader of the Conservatives, has also confirmed his group would be making a formal complaint regarding comments made at the meeting by the executive member for the environment.

But Cllr Harkin defended his comments.

He said: "As an executive member I am concerned that councillors are breaking the law in deciding applications."

"I know that other members of the planning committee are concerned about this too and I have mentioned this to officers."

Cllr Bob Howarth, leader of the council, said he and two council colleagues would investigate the complaints.

He said: "I have been told verbally there are to be complaints made against Cllr Harkin and if they are made then it would be up to the chief executive and myself to look at the position and decide what action to take."