UNDER fire transport boss Ann Reid's refusal to step down during an investigation into the "green light affair" was "incredibly damaging" and a "serious misjudgement", according to Labour leader Dave Merrett.

Labour councillors attacked Coun Reid, who has come under scrutiny following her decision to test a traffic system, which switched lights to green for emergency vehicles, for her daughter's wedding party.

Coun Merrett said: "It would have been better if the executive member had stepped down while the matter was dealt with by the standards board, but she didn't - frankly, a serious misjudgement."

But a full City of York Council meeting was unable to take a vote of no confidence in the Liberal Democrat executive member.

Coun Reid was also unable to defend herself against criticism - after chiefs decided discussing the matter was inappropriate in the light of a possible Standards Board investigation.

She and other councillors who sit on the authority's standards board were forced to leave the council chamber during the debate.

Coun Merrett said Coun Reid had, on her own admission, "clearly breached" the council's code of conduct. He said it was important because of the "oft quoted comment" from people outside the chamber that "we're only in it for ourselves".

"What has happened so far can only reinforce that, and we should not be letting this happen," he said.

But council leader Steve Galloway told Labour members they "ought to be ashamed" of themselves.

Branding their no confidence motion an "absolute disgrace", he said: "There is no report in front of the council about this issue, but a kangaroo court waiting to attack someone who can't even be in the council chamber."

He cited her achievements as planning and transport chief and said: "She deserves praise, not criticism."

But Coun David Horton told Coun Galloway: "What I consider a disgrace is that the executive member for planning and transport took in excess of two months to admit to her lack of judgement.

"I am pretty sure if she had not been found out, had the beans not been spilt, she would have maintained her silence and it is that I find a disgrace."

Green party councillor Mark Hill, also supporting the no confidence motion, said: "It is a discredit to the whole chamber."

Liberal Democrat councillors voted to accept an amendment to the motion noting "the outstanding progress made over the last 30 months by the present administration in addressing long-standing planning issues and in improving transport systems in the city".

Headlines around the world

IT MADE headlines around the world, appearing in newspapers as far afield as Australia.

But Coun Ann Reid apologised for a "misjudgement" when the Evening Press reported, on October 15, how her daughter's wedding party was whisked through the city on green traffic lights - all the way to the ceremony.

Coun Reid, who has since referred her own case to the Standards Board, said she regretted agreeing to the five-car wedding convoy being used to help test out a new traffic light system, which helps emergency vehicles get more quickly to calls.

Her daughter Hannah's party went through nine sets of green lights in August - with the help of City of York Council engineers.

The council said the wedding party had proved a "useful opportunity" to try out the system, but Coun Reid said: "I apologise for this misjudgement and the lapse in my usually high standards". She has consistently refused to resign.

What the Lib-Dems said

"This motion is grotesquely unfair. It is an absolute disgrace that you (Labour) should seek tonight to subvert the process which is going on to get the council to make a decision. You ought to be ashamed."

Council leader Steve Galloway

"It is entirely because Ann Reid reported the matter herself that it is grossly premature and grossly unfair to try and debate that aspect of the issue here tonight."

Coun Richard Watson

"Ann Reid's contribution to making York a sustainable city has had a dramatic impact. This is trying to set a threshold for when councillors have to resign."

Coun Keith Orrell

"I believe what Ann Reid has done in the matter of transport bears recognition."

Coun Ian Cuthbertson

"Listening to Dave Merrett is like listening to a blue bottle trapped around a curtain. (Ann Reid) is working tirelessly to move the city forwards."

Coun Christian Vassie

Updated: 10:35 Wednesday, November 16, 2005