Basildon Council was today in crisis after what was described as the "most disgraceful ever" meeting of councillors.

Opposition Labour and LibDem members were considering their next moves after last night's special meeting on plans for waste disposal broke up in chaos.

The meeting was called by the leader of the Labour group so that all councillors could have a say on the area's long-term plans for waste.

However, only two Labour councillors were allowed to speak before the Conservative administration ordered a vote and rejected any concerns.

Liberal democrat leader Geoff Williams, who has been a councillor in Basildon for 22 years, said: "As the longest serving councillor, even in the darkest days of Labour tyranny, I can honestly say I have never witnessed such a spectacle as I have seen this evening."

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