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Liverpool's Labour party has been plunged into more difficulty after a recording emerged of one councillor labelling another a lazy c**t.

The ECHO was sent a recording of County ward Cllr Gerard Woodhouse using the slur in reference to his Labour and ward colleague Kay Davies.

It is not clear when or where the recording was made and Cllr Woodhouse has said he was not aware that he was being recorded when he said it.

As well as twice using the word c**t to describe Cllr Davies, he also referred to her as a lazy b*****d.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Cllr Davies said that hearing the recording left her in tears - and while Cllr Woodhouse said he is not proud of what he said, he insists there are 'two sides to every story.'

In a statement Cllr Davies told the ECHO: "Regarding the recording, I was sent this recording on my phone in late April. I had to listen to it a couple of times to grasp what it was all about.

"I cried when I heard it, my kids were upset because I was crying, my hubby felt helpless for me."

Cllr Davies also claimed that Cllr Woodhouse has 'made her life difficult' and has "goaded her" on social media.

She said: "My home life is strained, my kids see me crying all the time and it upsets them.

"I’m taking medication from my doctor, I’m paying for relaxation classes to help me through this."

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Cllr Woodhouse said that he "wasn't aware he was being recorded" but added: "I’m not proud of what I said, but I was at the end of my tether and thought I was talking in confidence."

He added: "But there are two sides to a story and without going into any detail or criticising a fellow councillor in public, the complaint that Cllr Davies made was investigated by the party and concluded that there is no case to answer.

"There is another case being investigated by the Walton CLP and once that is concluded I am happy to show evidence that there is two sides to every story."

It is not clear what investigations are taking or have taken place regarding the issue although the ECHO understands that the party's regional office is not looking into the matter.