REDBRIDGE'S only British National Party councillor has labelled council leader Keith Prince 'a big baby' for criticising his appointment as vice chairman of a minor committee.
The decision to select Julian Leppert to the position on the Cycling Liaison Group has sent shockwaves through the council - with Cllr Prince condemning the move for giving the far-right party a bigger platform for its views.
Cllr Leppert has thanked fellow committee members Filly Maravala (Lab) and Gary Staight (Lib Dem) for nominating him for the post - but slammed Cllr Prince for his 'vitriolic' reaction to his appointment.
He said: "The council leader has shown himself up as the big baby he really is.
"He's had a tantrum like a little girl about it, and he just needs to grow up.
"He's been really vitriolic about this, but this is what is known as democracy and he needs to get used to it."
The 42 year-old postman said Cllr Maravala had shown courage by nominating him.
He said: "Filly was brave to nominate me and so was Gary for seconding the nomination.
"I'm looking forward to performing the role."
Lib Dem group leader Hugh Cleaver said Cllr Leppert had been nominated out of pure necessity.
He said: "I think it's unfortunate that this has happened, but their was no-one else available for the job at the time.
"They had to nominate someone for the position that day, and he wanted to do it.
"Cllr Leppart was elected to the council. You can't just exclude someone because you don't agree with their politics."
Cllr Prince has yet to make any further comment on the issue.
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