CALLS for the next mayor of Darlington to resign her office were made this evening as councillors questioned whether she should be suspended over an alleged bust-up at a cops and robbers-themed charity ball.

Labour councillor and deputy mayor Jan Taylor, who is due to take on the office of mayor a week from now, is being investigated by both Durham Police and Darlington Borough Council over claims she struck Cllr Kevin Nicholson, an independent councillor, at the annual Mayor's Ball.

It emerged at the meeting that she had admitted swearing at another councillor – but she denies assault.

At tonight's full council meeting, Conservative leader Heather Scott raised the issue in a question to council leader Bill Dixon and said if Cllr Taylor became mayor next week it would bring both the office and the town into disrepute, following her behaviour at the ball.

But Labour's Cllr Dixon said Cllr Taylor had his "full backing" and accused opponents of using the council meeting to score "cheap political points".

Cllr Scott said: "I would like to know what is the position of the deputy mayor within the Labour group, as I understand she has admitted using inappropriate language to another councillor and another alleged incident which is being investigated by the police.

"The incident was seen by witnesses.

"If this had happened in my group they would be suspended immediately pending an investigation, having admitted to one incident.

"Unless the councillor resigns the Conservative group will not support her position of mayor next week."

The borough solicitor warned Cllr Scott at the meeting about what she was saying, saying this was "not the forum for it".

But she added: "I am asking about the behaviour of a member within a political group and making the point it wouldn't be tolerated by us and we have the right to make our feelings known.

"I have been a councillor since 1976 and we have never been in this position.

"But we have to respect the position of the mayor and unfortunately this brings the position of mayor into disrepute, and it brings the council into disrepute."

Council leader Cllr Dixon said: "I thought we lived in a country where we were innocent until proven guilty, but it appears I was wrong. In my group that is the case.

"There has been a complaint made. There have been complaints made against a lot of councillors in this room and we have heard the position that until a complaint is fully heard you don't presume anything.

"I think it is disgusting to stand up and use the council meeting to fire a cheap shot.

"Jan Taylor has my total backing.

"She will make an excellent mayor, better than anyone in this room can, and if you want to break protocol, then that is fine."

The current mayor Brian Jones will hand over his chains of office to Cllr Taylor next week, if she is voted in as the next mayor.

Cllr Nicholson confirmed this week that he had reported an incident following the glitzy charity event, hosted by Cllr Jones, which was held at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington two weeks ago. However, he did not give any further details.

Cllr Taylor said she could not comment this week, as investigations were ongoing.

The town's mayoress, Cllr Doris Jones, said on Wednesday she was "absolutely shocked" to hear about the alleged incident, but said it was difficult to comment until all the facts were known.