The "King of Canterbury" has lost his crown. Jim Montague, the embattled general manager of Canterbury Council, has effectively been fired after the majority of his councillors voted to terminate his $330,000-a-year contract.

Police were called to the council chamber on Tuesday night as tensions erupted in the packed chamber.

Canterbury Council general manager Jim Montague and mayor Brian Robson. Credit:Facebook

At 7.30pm, Mayor Brian Robson, a close friend and supporter of Mr Montague, announced the council meeting was being adjourned until the Independent Commission Against Corruption completed an investigation into complaints made by Mr Montague about councillors.

With that the Labor mayor and the general manager walked out.