A council meeting descended into a squabble with a senior Tory accused of being "confrontational" towards the opposition leader.
The heated row broke out as Great Yarmouth Borough Council's cabinet discussed its finances amid growing pressures on its resources.
Trevor Wainwright, Labour group leader, took offence at Conservative county councillor Graham Plant's tone after he highlighted concerns which had been raised with him by colleagues and the public.
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Mr Plant was dismissive of his questions and said they should be sent in written form instead, prompting a war of words to break out.
The Labour leader said: "Every time I ask something I have this confrontation with councillor Plant.
"It is absolutely ridiculous. I don't need to be lectured by him, he is not the leader of the council anymore. Keep your opinions to yourself."
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Carl Smith, leader of GYBC, intervened, saying: "We don't need this petty squabbling, I'm not going to get involved with who said what."
The row is the latest tussle between the opposing factions following the May elections at which neither party gained overall control.
Mr Wainwright fears these "confrontations" are preventing the council from working together.
"If we don't it is not good for the borough."
Mr Plant has not responded to a request for comment.
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