A red-face moment for Oxford city councillor Antonia Bance on Monday when she was accused of swearing at a member of the public.

Ms Bance, right, was alleged to have uttered the words “Bloody rubbish, what bloody rubbish” on hearing what was said during one question.

But the plot thickens over what has been dubbed ‘sweargate’ because she swears blind she didn’t utter any such profanity.

In front of a packed council chamber she said: “I certainly didn’t shout anything at any member of the public.”

But don’t worry, Antonia, we know how you feel.

The Insider, weary after four-and-a-half-hours at the same meeting, felt like standing up and swearing at regular intervals.

Tempers threatened to boil over at one stage during Monday’s meeting over Oxford City Council’s 45 minute boast – the amount of time it sets aside for members of the public to table their questions.

Chaos nearly ensued after several disgruntled punters were left waiting for their answers.

With time running out, they first thought an answer would be given to them personally, but then it emerged many would receive them in writing.

And for a good 10 minutes no-one in the council chamber knew what was going on.

Stephen Brown, the Liberal Democrat group leader, summed up the situation perfectly when he said: “Tell me if I have lost the plot.”

Probably.

Some arrive at council meetings by car, others prefer bike, while some even walk. Not so Sushila Dhall, right, whose preferred method of transport these days is... scooter.

The wacky Green city councillor rolled up, quite literally, at Monday’s meeting on a child’s toy and even found room to park it in the council chamber.

The Insider didn’t spot any lights on the vehicle, so let’s hope she is not caught riding it along Queen Street after dark.

The one sight at Monday’s meeting that really set tongues wagging was not city councillor Jim Campbell’s walking stick, but the leather man bag he was clutching.

Fashionistas sitting in the public gallery marvelled at the small, zip-fastened accessory first popularised in the council chamber by Mr Campbell’s Liberal Democrat colleague, and current Deputy Lord Mayor, John Goddard.

He cut quite a dash, we can report.

The Insider is pleased to report that men can multi-task – for proof just ask Matt Morton. The young Green city councillor was spotted at a recent meeting feeding a baby with a bottle in one hand, while using a mobile phone in the other.

How very impressive.

We just hope he wasn’t sending a text to a friend asking what exactly it is you feed the little mite.