Freedom of speech and accountability would be put “at risk” if a proposal to limit the number of questions councillors can ask at meetings is pushed through.

The Conservative group at Three Rivers District Council has accused the ruling Liberal Democrats of attempting to “suppress the ability to hold the administration to account”.

On Tuesday, a bid to introduce a rule which would limit a councillor to only asking one question each of the administration at meetings was postponed after last-minute talks between parties.

The Lib Dems say the idea came about because of the amount of officers' time being taken up providing answers to questions.

However, the party recognises a more "reasonable compromise" is needed rather than the rule suggested earlier this week.

Watford Observer: Three Rivers District Council offices in RickmansworthThree Rivers District Council offices in Rickmansworth (Image: Newsquest)

At full council meetings in February and July, there were 82 questions aimed at the administration. This includes 22 from the Tories at Tuesday’s meeting while Lib Dem member and former council leader Cllr Sara Bedford submitted 21 questions.

Stephen Giles Medhurst, deputy leader at the council and chairman of the constitution sub-committee, said: “Having 82 questions over two meetings is undue burden on officers, consuming a considerable amount of their time and resource to get answers.”

Watford Observer: Liberal Democrat Three Rivers councillor Sara Bedford, who initially submitted 21 questions of her own administration, says the "easiest" way to get answers is to ask in a meetingLiberal Democrat Three Rivers councillor Sara Bedford, who initially submitted 21 questions of her own administration, says the "easiest" way to get answers is to ask in a meeting

Conservative group leader Ciaran Reed said his party would be taking a “large stand” against the proposal, adding: “There will be a limit to the number of issues that can be raised.

“They are claiming this is fine because written questions are still allowed. However, there is a clear difference between written questions and the administration being truly held to account through the opposition questioning them. This is another attack on fair and transparent government.”

Watford Observer: At 21, Councillor Ciaran Reed, pictured, is believed to be the youngest Conservative group leader in the country after he was elected by his colleagues earlier this year At 21, Councillor Ciaran Reed, pictured, is believed to be the youngest Conservative group leader in the country after he was elected by his colleagues earlier this year

Cllr Reed continued: “Even with the huge number of questions, we still finished Tuesday’s meeting with 20 minutes to spare.

“Despite that, the administration is still threatening to change the rules before October, leaving freedom of speech, the rights of the opposition and accountability at risk.”

Cllr Giles-Medhurst said the proposed rule is “absolutely not an attempt to shy away from accountability”.

Watford Observer: Cllr Stephen Giles Medhurst, Liberal Democrat deputy leader of Three Rivers District Council and chairman of the council's constitution sub-committee Cllr Stephen Giles Medhurst, Liberal Democrat deputy leader of Three Rivers District Council and chairman of the council's constitution sub-committee

Labour group leader Steve Cox said: “This is clearly a very important matter, we wouldn’t support what has been proposed.

“But there is clearly a problem and we must work together to find a solution. There is a delicate path to be trodden. Megaphone diplomacy doesn’t work.”