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A Labour councillor has made a Nazi salute during a controversial council meeting because he became "angry" a debate was cut short.

Cameras inside Plymouth's council chamber recorded the moment councillor Jonny Morris made the outrageous gesture while looking after members of the ruling party.

The ward member for Southway in the city said he became "angry" after Conservative and UKIP councillors cut the debate on the budget short by calling for a recorded vote to be taken.

As councillors were asked one by one for their vote for recording purposes, councillor Morris outstretched his arm in the style of a Nazi salute, prompting outrage in the chamber.

(Image: Plymouth Herald)

Many councillors voiced their disgust and immediately called for him to apologise.

Among them was Councillor Nick Kelly, who described the act as "absolutely appalling".

After being invited to do so by the Lord Mayor Pauline Murphy, councillor Morris apologised.

In a statement issued after the meeting, he told the Plymouth Herald : "I was very angry at the closing down of debate on Plymouth's budget by the UKIP/Tory ruling group.

(Image: Plymouth Herald)

"I let that anger get the better of me, and made an inappropriate and offensive gesture. I apologise unreservedly."

Leader of the council Ian Bowyer, said the act could be considered a hate crime and was "totally unacceptable".

(Image: Plymouth Herald / SWNS)

He said: "I think the council's monitoring officer will doubtless wish to investigate further there are potentially serious consequences here.

"Although councillor Morris apologised for his behaviour in my opinion this constitutes hate crime, which is totally unacceptable."

(Image: Getty)

He added: "I cannot ever recall such an uncontrolled outburst in the council chamber. It besmirches the reputation of public office."

Tudor Evans, leader of the Plymouth Labour group confirmed that Cllr Morris had been suspended while the matter was investigated.

"The whips are now looking into the matter," he said. "Obviously we take this very seriously."