LABOUR councillors have shrugged off criticism and pledged to continue playing an active role in district decision-making.

The party's group leader has described as "overblown rhetoric" an attack by Council leader Mike Oborski over his members' failure to attend the inaugural meeting of the council's new executive committee.

Councillor Jamie Shaw said Labour did not have a seat on the new cabinet-style executive committee, could not vote and was not entitled to speak, and it could therefore have played no meaningful part by attending last Thursday's meeting.

His retort followed comments by Mr Oborski who said he was "deeply saddened" by Labour's non-attendance.

Mr Oborski said Labour members were welcome to attend as observers, adding: "I do not see how they can really make any meaningful contribution to the council if none of them come to executive meetings.

"Lots of observers from other parties attended and their presence was extremely helpful. I do very much hope Labour members will come to future meetings."

And he pointed out the executive committee was a key part of local government modernisation introduced by a Labour government.

But Mr Shaw accused the council leader of "overblown rhetoric" and being driven by a desire for publicity. "He devalues the English language," he added.

He said Labour members were meeting this week to discuss last Thursday's agenda. Any items not referred by the committee to scrutiny committees which they considered needed further examination would be referred by them, he added.

Mr Shaw said Labour members, who were able to vote and speak at scrutiny committees, would then be able to play an active and constructive part in shaping decisions by the council.

And he highlighted recent cases where Labour opposition at interim scrutiny committees had overturned earlier decisions including the proposed deregulation of the taxi licensing system and plans to introduce charges for pest control.