LABOUR'S Ian Driver is considering quitting the local party and joining the district's independents following a row with a fellow councillor this week.

Northwood representative Ian Driver claims that he was insulted by Newington representative Richard Nicholson at a closed meeting of the group.

Mr Driver said: "While I accept that in politics there are often strong opinions about policy and tactics, this does not give Labour group members the right to be abusive towards colleagues with whom they disagree. I believe that to be called a "tosser" in a group meeting by Richard Nicholson is totally unacceptable and it is hardly surprising that I became angry."

Mr Nicholson declined to comment on the clash but denied using the term "tosser". Mr Nicholson told the Gazette: "I did not call him a tosser. There was no altercation and I do not want to say anymore. I don't want to blow this out of proportion."

Mr Driver, who was elected in May, says he challenged Mr Nicholson, a former leader of the Thanet Labour group, by asking him to "repeat it outside".

Meeting chairman Peter Campbell said: "I immediately calmed the situation. It was about ten seconds of raised voices. No one laid a finger on one another.

"I said, 'shut up and sit down'. I heard Ian Driver say, 'What the bloody hell did you call me, tell me that again'."

Mr Driver, has e-mailed Labour group leader Clive Hart asking him to take action against Mr Nicholson and demanding an apology.

Mr Hart, who was at the meeting, said he would be investigating the claims with the group's chief whip, Kay Dark, and chairman Mr Campbell.

Mr Driver, the manager of Thanet's Citizens Advice Bureau, has begun discussions with independent group leader Tom King about leaving Labour to join his group.

Thanet council is under no overall control at present, with power resting in the hands of the three independent councillors.

The Conservatives have 27 seats and Labour 26.