ANGRY councillors stormed out of a meeting after bringing into question the democratic process at North Ayrshire Council.

Last week’s full council meeting descended into chaos after one councillor sought clarification about a response he was given at a previous meeting.

As reported by the Herald, Councillor Ronnie McNicoll previously questioned the cost of NAC entering and attending various award ceremonies across the UK.

But Chief Executive Elma Murray stated that the council would have to suspend its laws in order to discuss the issue.

The Saltcoats independent councillor argued that the question was not the same as the one asked previously, given that the previous answer was the subject of the new question.

Labour member Alex Gallagher, who supports the awards, also backed Councillor McNicoll’s right to ask the question.

Ex-MSP Irene Oldfather also voiced her concern stating that the principle of councillors being able to ask valid questions goes “to the heart of the democratic process”.

But Provost Joan Sturgeon, who chaired the meeting, opted to take the advice of the Chief Executive Elma Murray.

A vote followed and saw 17 councillors support the suspension of standing orders with the 12 SNP councillors abstaining from the vote.

In other circumstances, the majority vote would be enough, but two thirds of councillors are required to suspend standing orders – resulting in the question being removed from the agenda.

There was almost another twist when Depute Provost Robert Barr mistakenly voted not to suspend standing orders.

But having realised his error, Councillor Barr quickly stated he meant to vote for the suspension.

Ms Murray, however, said that Councillor Barr had already cast his vote, but allowed it to be reversed when other councillors backed the Depute Provost.

Upon hearing the decision, Councillor McNicoll walked out asking for his dissent to be recorded and questioning the “openness and transparency” of the council.

Later in the full North Ayrshire Council meeting during a debate on unemployment figures, Conservative Councillor Tom Marshall, said: "I totally agree with Councillor McNicol.

“Some of us are concerned that the questions we are asking are not being properly answered.”