Labour city councillor Colin Cook, who secretly taped a council meeting, is set to find out if he can keep his place on the executive board.

Cllr Cook angered his colleagues last month when he used a dictaphone to record a confidential debate about the sale of Walton Street Guest House.

The machine, which was hidden in a plastic bag, made a bleeping noise when the tape ran out. Green councillor Paul Ingram challenged Cllr Cook and he owned up.

Afterwards, council leader Corinna Redman described Cllr Cook's actions as "dirty tricks" and suggested he had abused the trust of his colleagues.

Cllr Ingram, deputy leader, then reported the incident to the standards committee, which is meeting on Thursday.

Cllr Cook said: "They may have a punt at getting me off the executive board but hopefully this will all blow over."

"This is the first time the standards committee has met, following local government reorganisation, and it will be interesting to see what happens."

"I will be attending and given the opportunity to put my side of it."

"I did apologise immediately afterwards, even though I don't think I broke any council rules."

There is nothing in the council's new constitution prohibiting the use of tape recorders during a meeting, but the fact that Cllr Cook failed to consult his colleagues prompted them to refer the matter.

Cllr Cook is one of four members of the Labour group who have a place on the ten-man executive board.