Middlesbrough councillors comments' 'campaign of vilification'

John Rathmell and Terry Lawton have been told to apologise for their online comments

Two councillors who posted abusive online comments about colleagues ran a "destructive campaign of vilification".

Terry Lawton called some Middlesbrough Council members corrupt while Jon Rathmell called an officer a "purse-carrying cretin".

Mr Lawton said it was "political banter" and was accused of "bullying people because I'm challenging them".

Both men have been ordered to apologise by the council's standards committee but maintain they did nothing wrong.

Middlesbrough mayor David Budd said the pair's "destructive campaign of vilification damaged the reputation of their town".

Terry Lawton said if he does apologise he won't mean it

An independent investigation found the two Independent councillors breached conduct rules.

Mr Lawton made several posts on Facebook about colleagues whereby he accused some of corruption through the sale of town assets to family and friends. He also named people he claimed had "dirty secrets" and did "dirty deeds".

Another post claimed a councillor was well known for offering female employees promotion in exchange for sexual favours.

Mr Lawton was told if he did not apologise his council email account would be suspended.

John Rathmell said he did not accept the finding against him

He added: "If I do say (sorry) I won't really mean it".

Mr Rathmell called a council officer a "bag-lady" and "purse-carrying cretin" in a post on Facebook.

After the hearing, he said he listened to the finding against him but did not "accept it".