THERE will be no secrets among any of the 43 Monmouthshire county councillors.

A plan to restrict access to sensitive documents to a "need to know" basis – in practice members of the eight-strong Conservative and LibDem Cabinet caused uproar among some of those who would be excluded.

But all three of the party group leaders present at last week's full council meeting warned of that anyone caught leaking sensitive material would face consequences.

The Cabinet member with responsibility for economic development, Councillor Bob Greenland, fought a lone rearguard battle for the restrictions.

He said, "We have to be realistic – we are going to find that information that is sensitive and is against the interests of the people of Monmouthshire is going to find its way into the public realm which could be very expensive for this council.

"In light of the dangers to this council I will not support access for all."

Although he did not mention any specific instances of leaks it is understood he is likely to have been referring to the release of commercially sensitive information about the bidders for the proposed supermarket site in Caldicot.

But several backbench councillors were unhappy at the implication that they were less trustworthy than colleagues in the Cabinet.

Independent councillor Frances Taylor said, "This is an equality issue - some councillors appear to be more equal than others.

"Electors hold us all to be equally responsible for the decisions that are taken."

Councillor Ralph Chapman said, "I resent the implication that I am less trustworthy than members of the Cabinet."

Long-serving member Councillor Val Smith (pictured) said, "I take exception to this."

Leader of the council Councillor Peter Fox said there had been leaks in the past and the proposal was aimed at preventing them.

He said, "We are an open council and there is very little that is on pink paper (discussed in secret) but we have had leaks in the past."

Given the strength of feeling, Councillor Fox said he would support full access to information for councillors.

Leader of the Labour group Councillor Roger Harris said members of the council should abide by the code of conduct which prohibits leaks.

He said: "We have got to hammer anyone who breaches the code."

Indpendent leader Councillor Simon Howarth said violations of the code had to go to the independent Ombudsman but that was a very slow process.