Hadleigh town mayor Frank Minns has dismissed accusations of hypocrisy after two councillors questioned his suitability to become the council's Armed Forces Champion after he voted against an inquiry into allegation of prejudice by a council member against a veteran.

Cllr Minns, who reached the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy, was labelled hypocritical after he refused to ask for an investigation into allegations of prejudice against a former member of the armed forces who had applied for a position as the town council manager.

The allegation was made against member of the staffing sub committee making the appointment, and Cllr Minns also voted against a motion for the council to hold an investigation into the allegation and the circumstances surrounding the appointment process.

Following the council's recent adoption of the Armed Forces Covenant, an agenda item at last night's full town council meeting called for a representative to be appointed to drive improved relationships with the forces and promote the understanding the role of veterans.

However, two councillors questioned his suitability with Cllr Andrew Knock, who has family that have served in the Army, and Cllr Angela Gregg both voting against.

After Cllr Minns said he would be willing to fill the post, which no one else offered to take up, Cllr Knock said: "I'm sorry but I find that hypocritical. You voted against an investigation into prejudice against an applicant and now you want to be the Armed Forces champion, that's hypocritical."

Cllr Gregg added: "I have to agree with Cllr Knock if you are not prepared to answer questions then you can't represent us."

Cllr Minns did not respond to the accusations in the meeting last night but this morning told Nub News: "I voted against an investigation because we have no powers as a town council to conduct one. I did not respond to the accusation of hypocrisy because to do so would be to give credence to suppositions about a confidential matter."

He was also accused of being dismissive when a member of the public, Mr Richard Hampton asked three questions, about the lack of an investigation into the allegations of prejudice, and if Cllr Rolf Beggerow and Carol Schleip who the staffing committee called into question, had shown a conflict of interest by voting against an investigation.

None of which were answered, unlike a previous question asked by a member of the public, and the open session was quickly ended and moved on to the next agenda, not allowing Cllr Knock to speak on the matter.

Cllr Minns said: "I did not respond to the question about an inquiry because the normal practice is to answer public questions outside the meeting, and I did say an answer would be given."

A number of disparaging comments have appeared on social media regarding Cllr Minns handling of the meeting, where he ordered the clerk to mute Cllrs Knock and Gregg at different times and repeatedly told Cllr Knock they could not ask certain questions, or to speak at all.

Another member of the public messaged Nub News to say: "Frank has acted like a dictator rather than the chair of a council for the people of Hadleigh. It is undemocratic, and worrying."

Cllr Minns today said: "My conduct at the meeting was entirely in accordance with standing orders - councillors may speak once on any motion. I am surprised by the observation about comments by the public as I have met quite a number people while walking my dogs today who complimented me on how I ran the meeting."

Meanwhile, Cllr Beggerow was appointed Hadleigh's Chamber of Commerce representative.

Hadleigh mayor sweeping prejudice under the carpet