The early adjournment was called by Cr Pakes, seconded by Cr Joanna Gash and approved by Crs Bob Proudfoot, Mark Kitchener, Greg Watson, Andrew Guile, John Wells and Patricia White, so that Crs Pakes, Gash, Guile and White could attend a Liberal Party function.

Cr Pakes, who has not missed an ordinary council meeting since he was elected 18 months ago, said Cr Alldrick is hardly in a position to criticise him.

“Annette has missed more ordinary meetings than anyone else,” he said.

“Have a look at my record, I haven’t missed one.

“She’s good at slinging mud, but we have reached the highest level of hypocrisy here.”

Cr Alldrick has missed three ordinary meetings since elected in September, 2016, more than any other councillor aside from Cr Kitchener who has also missed three.

But the Bay and Basin ALP Branch has backed Cr Alldrick’s statement, and joined the chorus of angry voices.

“This action meant that some 47 business items were deferred to a later date,” branch secretary Deborah Shapira said.

“This inconsiderate action greatly inconvenienced remaining councillors, council staff and the public in attendance, of whom many had travelled a sizeable distance to hear the outcome of those business items.”

The letter, penned by Mrs Shapira to the mayor Amanda Findley, also condemned Cr Pakes’ parting comments aimed at the mayor.

“Did you get an invitation? No, the premier doesn’t invite people who aren’t nice to her,” Cron Tuesday night.

The ALP branch did not hold back.

“Finally, we condemn the actions of Councillor Pakes in his infantile display of disrespect to you, the popularly elected Mayor, the remaining Councillors, Council staff and members of the public present and demand that he make an immediate public apology,” Mrs Shapira said.

Cr Pakes will not be saying sorry.

“I have nothing to apologise for,” he said.

“Like I said, this is exactly why political parties should not get involved in local politics.

“The community is sick and tired of party politics, it’s about time we got back to the core services council should provide – roads, rubbish, and rates.”

In his capacity as assistant deputy mayor at the Liberal Party function, Cr Pakes said he spent time lobbying the sports minister for grant funding for the Bay and Basin community hub and the basketball stadium fit out, and told the premier Princes Highway upgrades were indeed essential.