ADMINISTRATION councillors lambasted opposition leader Douglas Campbell last week during a stormy council meeting.

Members of the ruling Conservative and Labour groups pulled no punches as they launched a barrage of personal attacks on the SNP Group Leader in response to his motion of no confidence.

During a series of insults aimed at the Ayr North councillor, the council's Depute Leader John McDowall, as well as Councillor Hugh Hunter and Councillor Philip Saxton claimed selfishness was at the centre of the motion.

Councillor Hunter claimed the motion was 'dripping with self interest' and accused Councillor Campbell of 'whinging', while Councillor McDowall claimed that SNP councillors were ready to launch a motion of no confidence in the group leader.

Speaking after Councillor Campbell's presentation, Councillor McDowall highlighted the former Labour and Independent councillor's political journeyman tag.

After using the words trust, integrity, confidence and ability to describe the Conservative and Labour coalition, Councillor McDowall said: "Unfortunately these words don't sit well when I think of Councillor Campbell.

"How long will it be before he becomes an independent, independent councillor. How long will it be before he himself faces a vote of no confidence from his own members because if what I'm told is true, that will happen shortly." And in a further slur alluding to Councillor Campbell's decision to quit the Labour Party in 2008, Labour Group Leader McDowall added: "Hell hath no fury like a scorned wimp." Conservative councillor Hugh Hunter also blasted Councillor Campbell, and said: "When I read this motion my heart sank.

"I can not give it any credibility whatsoever. It's just dripping with self interest." And Councillor Saxton added: "It seems the suggestion is that Councillor Campbell could lead this council better. The only person that Councillor Campbell is interested in is Councillor Campbell." But despite his fellow councillors' remarks, Councillor Campbell was defiant.

He said: "I am disappointed that so many members of the administration decided to resort to abuse.

"In terms of Hugh Hunters comment you should probably relate that he called me mendacious which is misleading, false or unreliable. I have asked him to validate this comment." And he explained why he quit the Labour Party in 2008, highlighting a breach of council rules by his then colleagues Councillors Ian Cavana and Helen Moonie.

"In 2008 I resigned from the Labour Party following an event where two fellow and current Councillors were involved in forging my name on an official Council document. I requested that the Labour Party, locally, at Scottish level and Nationally investigate the matter but was met with stony silence," he said.

"I leave you to comment on matters of integrity, trust and judgement." Fellow SNP councillor John Allan also rushed to the defence of the group leader, adding: "It was notable that the opposition, after presenting the motion, sat back and listened as the "wounded animals" rushed to defend themselves, blaming everyone and everything else for the mess which was uncovered by the audit commission report.

"It appears that all the council's woes are the fault of Douglas Campbell, the Audit Commission and the local press. You couldn't make it up!"