Invercargill’s council chambers played host to a testy conversation on Tuesday, including an accusation that democracy had gone by the wayside.

The exchange involved long-standing councillors Ian Pottinger and Darren Ludlow — who was chairing the committee meeting.

Following an impassioned presentation from a member of the public about a development impacting the wellbeing of hens at his poultry business, Pottinger questioned why he hadn’t received answers to questions he’d personally put to the council.

Ludlow said that if Pottinger had been listening, he would have heard the answer already.

Following further exchanges and disagreement, Ludlow said he was chairing and asked for the next question.

“Sorry I didn’t get the email, that democracy was not in place today,” Pottinger said.

“(Your) comment’s not welcome, councillor,” Ludlow responded.

Pottinger then said the matter was about trying to help the citizen who presented.

“Yes councillor, so if you’d hop off your grandstand for a second,” Ludlow said.

Soon after, an exchange also took place between Ludlow and councillor Grant Dermody.

Dermody asked a question of the presenter, but was cut off by Ludlow who said the question had already been asked.“What question was I going to ask?” Dermody queried, before making a comment about mind reading.

Tuesday’s events were not the first time Ludlow has curbed questions as chair of a meeting.

In February, councillor Ria Bond was accused by Ludlow of asking a question she already knew the answer to.

When she asked if she could speak, he responded “I’m the chair”.

Pottinger is in his fifth term at council, while Ludlow is in his seventh.

Both Dermody and Bond are first term councillors.

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