Rival politicians who clashed during Brent Council’s budget meeting on Monday and threatened to report each other to the standards board have made up over a handshake.

Cllr Reg Colwill, Conservative councillor for Kenton, locked horns with Cllr Jim Moher, Labour councillor for Fryent, over controversial plans to charge people on benefits 20 per cent of their Council Tax bill.

The proposals were waved through when councillors moved the meeting to a different office after barring the public because welfare campaigners refused to stop heckling.

The Times witnessed the feud unfold after Cllr Colwill accused Cllr Moher, who is also the lead member for highways and transportation, of calling him a lair.

Cllr Moher reacted angrily to the allegation and the bickering began, which ended with both councillors vowing to report each other to the board. Cllr Colwill told the Times: “I respect Jim but I want an apology. I am a battle-worn councillor so I’m not worried about receiving stick. He (Cllr Moher) should have been made to apologise. As it stands I am reporting him. He should apologise or I will take it all the way.”

Cllr Moher denies the claims saying: “I did not call him a liar. I was speaking about the Conservative motion. I believe the words I used in reference to the motion were cynical, hypocritical and deceitful.”

He added that they is no “animosity” between the two, and has since spoken and shaken hands of the Conservative councillor.

Cllr Colwill confirmed the pair had shaken hands and made up.