The perils of virtual meetings were laid bare when a councillor swore in frustration during a meeting streamed live to the public.

Members of Canterbury City Council's Covid-19 emergency committee met via video call to discuss the authority's £12 million financial woes caused by coronavirus.

But when voting on an amendment, Cllr Alex Ricketts briefly struggled to get his microphone working.

In the live stream, which was being broadcast on YouTube, the Lib Dem was seen waving his right arm in annoyance shouting 'oh f****** thing'.

He was able to get his vote heard before shaking his head in frustration.

The blunder did not faze meeting co-ordinator Vanessa Montgomery, but fellow Lib Dem Cllr Mike Sole couldn't hold back a smirk following the gaffe.

Speaking to KentOnline after his mistake, Cllr Ricketts explained: “I was having an issue turning on my mic and just when it kicked into life I rather wish it hadn’t.

"I only realised when my phone lit up with messages. I think we all sometimes have moments when technology becomes exasperating.

"I apologise to anyone who was offended.

"My microphone and I have had words and it promises to behave from now on - which is more than can be said for the bickering Tory party."

The proposed amendment to the budget did not pass and the committee lasted for another three hours as members voted through the redrafted emergency financial plan.

While the Blean Forest representative's X-rated slip of the tongue was taken in jovial spirits, the coronavirus crisis has led to some unsavoury virtual council meetings elsewhere in the world.

A Devon town council Zoom call descended into an ill-tempered shouting match last week, while over in the US, an elected Connecticut representative resigned after he was overheard swearing.

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething also faced calls to resign after he was caught swearing about a colleague last month.

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