The escalating tensions partly prompted Cr Byrne to urge the NSW Liberal Party to disendorse Cr Passas in the lead-up to the council elections in September.
But Cr Passas — who has a history of controversial behaviour — criticised her ejection as “a set-up” because she had been scheduled to movea motion calling on Cr Byrne to step down as mayor,citing concerns over his leadership.
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During Tuesday’s meeting,Cr Byrne had warned Cr Passas she was using a “very aggressive tone”.
“I’m just going to ask you to turn the temperature down a little bit,” Cr Byrne said,according to audio of the meeting published on Thursday.
He issued Cr Passas with a third warning for interjecting,prompting the majority of councillors to support a motion for her to be expelled. He briefly adjourned the meeting,cleared the room and requested that Cr Passas leave.
As the councillors left the room,Cr Passas can be heard to respond:“And I respectfully request you call the police and remove me ... I will not be leaving.”