A SENIOR Pendle councillor is to be investigated following an incident at a meeting to discuss postal voting.

Town Hall chiefs today confirmed Coun Tony Greaves is to be probed after a complaint was made to Pendle Council.

The Liberal Democrat representative admitted he had exchanged words with fellow councillor Mohammed Iqbal at the meeting earlier this month.

And a spokesman for the local authority said a report is now being prepared for the Standards Committee.

Coun Greaves said the meeting was called and chaired by Stephen Barnes, the council’s chief executive on Friday March 6.

He confirmed it was attended by representatives from the Labour Party, including councillors Iqbal and George Adam.

Two British National Party representatives were also present along with Pendle Council officers, he said.

And the Conservative Party did not attend but sent a letter in their absence.

Labour and Lib Dems have repeatedly clashed over allegations of vote-rigging over the last seven years, particularly in Nelson and Brierfield.

The Lib Dems have attempted to sign opposition parties up to their own anti-fraud motion or a similar protocol, drawn up by Mr Barnes.

But other parties have refused to sign up to the protocol, causing what Coun Greaves said was a “heated debate” at the meeting earlier this month.

A Pendle Council spokesman said: “Pendle Council can confirm that it has received a formal complaint which is now being investigated.

“A report is currently being written for consideration by the Standards Committee.

"This will determine whether a full hearing should take place.

“It would be inappropriate for Pendle Council to comment further at this stage.”

Coun Iqbal, who made the complaint, declined to comment.