A SALISBURY city councillor was at the centre of a furious row on Monday night as he was accused of abusing his role in order to further his political ambitions.

Cllr Tom Corbin raised the controversial topic of parking charges in the city, bringing a motion that the city council should request a “harmonisation” of charges throughout Wiltshire in addition to “sharing the costs” of Salisbury’s Park and Ride throughout the county.

A Labour councillor for the Bemerton ward since 2013, cllr Corbin is also standing as the Labour parliamentary candidate in next year’s general election.

His motion brought before the planning and transportation committee caused outrage amongst his Conservative colleagues who argued the motion was purely a political move, the city council having already provided its recommendations on parking charges prior to the Wiltshire Council consultation.

One heated exchange prompted uproar with the committee’s chairman to shout ‘order’ several times, use his gavel and warn cllr Matthew Dean he would be asked to leave if he did not remain seated during the meeting.

Addressing the committee, cllr Matthew Dean said: “I’m astonished at councillor Corbin’s behaviour – I think it’s really damaging to the interests of Salisbury.

“This motion comes out with solutions that haven’t been discussed by the working group at all let alone this committee or the full council.

“I think the only reason he has brought this motion is because he’s politicking – he’s putting his own interests before the county.”

“It’s reprehensible,” he told cllr Corbin, “you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Cllr Penny Brown suggested cllr Corbin step down from his role as city councillor.

Responding to the outburst, cllr Corbin accused councillors of a "political attack" saying: “By bringing this motion I have allowed us to have a discussion. You are all upset because I have said what everybody is thinking and you are just trying to defend your colleagues at Wiltshire Council but I think you are going about it in the wrong way.”

After the furore had died down, councillors voted against carrying the motion by five to three.

Wiltshire Council is currently midway through a three-month car parking consultation which asks people to comment on a number of proposals for the city.

To have your say visit consult.wiltshire.gov.uk