The ruling Conservative group on Bicester Town Council has been accused of trying to stifle debate after limiting the number of questions councillors can ask.

At a meeting this week, former mayor Dan Sames put forward a series of amendments to the council's standing orders, which govern the way its business is conducted.

Among his proposals, adopted with the backing of fellow Tories, were that questions should be no longer than two minutes and that councillors should be allowed just one question, followed by one supplementary question, on any agenda item.

Until now, there were no limits on the number of questions councillors could ask, with the rules simply saying: "A member may ask the chairman any question concerning the business of the council."

Mr Sames's proposals sparked fierce opposition from Labour councillor Les Sibley and Liberal Democrat councillor Nick Cotter.

Mr Sibley said: "To me, it appears as if you're trying to restrict members from representing the people who elected them into office. Surely it's our role as councillors to probe and to debate issues.

"This has the effect of actually gagging councillors. The ruling group on this council certainly wants to gag free speech and to gag the councillors wanting to represent the people who voted them into office.

He added: "It's shameful. We're just being denied a voice."

Mr Cotter said: "If these amendments are put through tonight, I'm going to ignore them. They are, quite frankly, ridiculous.

"If it's voted through I will ignore it and I will carry on asking questions - as many questions as I feel appropriate in my role as an elected town councillor."

Mr Sames had earlier claimed that the previous rules had officially only allowed councillors to ask one question, with no opportunity for a follow-up question.

But after being challenged by Mr Cotter, he admitted he was wrong and said he had perhaps "misinterpreted" that point.

Mr Sames said: "It's not trying to be underhand. It's trying to enhance, to clarify the position, to ensure that everyone does have the ability to ask a question. The time limit seeks to ensure there's no ambiguity in the question, keeping it succinct and to the point."