A Liberal Democrat protest against the newly selected Mayor in Gateshead has been branded "childish" by Labour councillors.
The Lib Dem opposition says they will refuse to stand in the council chamber for the entry and exit of Mayor and Labour councillor Eileen McMaster.
The opposition claims the Labour Group, over the last 50 years, has made the mayoralty a "political rather than civil honour". The Lib Dems have said their protest will end when Labour commit to joint discussions to agree on a new Mayor each year.
