Lib Dem councillor gives "Nazi salute" as Labour councillors award themselves 24% pay rises

A Lib Dem councillor in North Tyneside is under investigation for allegedly giving a Nazi salute in the council chamber.

Cllr David Ord was asked to leave the council chamber after becoming increasingly irate during a debate on a motion to increase councillors' allowances by 24%. He stood up and made a gesture which other councillors believed to be a Nazi salute but which he claims is the Ballamy salute which Americans give to their flag.

Labour councillors pushed through the increase in their allowances by nearly £2k each to £9,759 which will cost the authority over £116k per year. The council is cutting front line services, including crèche nursery facilities, to balance the books and laying off 350 staff.