A BLOW-by-blow account of the row that led to tears - and threats to defect by 14 leading Labour councillors in Southampton - can be revealed today.

Confidential minutes of the explosive meeting of the Southampton Labour Party general committee have been leaked to the Daily Echo.

They show Labour leader June Bridle was scrutinised over her handling of the future use of the Vosper Thornycroft shipbuilding site at Woolston.

According to the minutes there was talk of putting up 900 homes on the land, with industrial premises. However, Councillor Bridle was unable to be contacted to confirm to the Daily Echo the number of homes. The matter had been referred to her by the City Council press office.

It was during her report to the Labour Party's monthly meeting that a row erupted - and eventually led to Cllr Bridle and her Cabinet, with other leading lights, threatening to "seriously consider" their position as councillors for Labour in Southampton. Labour colleague Julian Price, who represents Woolston, was unable to confirm any plan to build 900 homes on the site.

When asked he referred the question as something to pose to council leader June Bridle.

Mr Price said: "There is a joint study between the city council and Vosper Thornycroft into the future of the site. The city plan identifies the land for industrial use but the study is looking into other possibilities. I have no idea as to the timescale of the study."

Former Labour councillor Alan Lloyd, who was hounded off the council for his strong views, set the ball rolling by claiming council officers rather than elected members seemed to be deciding how the Vosper site would be used in future.

It was Labour Party policy for the land to remain industrial but now there are plans for it to have a mixed use, including homes.

Cllr Bridle said members set policy but her assertion was challenged by Councillor Simon Letts.

According to the minutes, he said he had a scrutiny report that indicated the leader had told an "untruth" regarding the Vosper site.

Minutes secretary Anne Wardle called for his remarks to be withdrawn - at which point Mr Letts left the room.

On his return, Ms Wardle again asked for his remarks to be withdrawn - and it was at that stage that Councillor Perry McMillan was heard to say "stupid woman".

A petition signed by 14 Labour councillors cited "intimidation, insults, bullying and other totally unacceptable conduct" as the reasons behind their threat to defect.

At the next general committee meeting on October 17 Cllr McMillan and Cllr Letts offered apologies - but Mr Lloyd refused.

Cllr McMillan said: "If offended anyone I hope I have addressed that. I'm more interested in Labour Party policy and politics than tittle-tattle."

Cllr Bridle commented: "This was not about policy - personality was the real issue."

Labour Party president Richard Bates said some councillors had been "over-sensitive".

Minutes from the Labour Party meeting also reveal that a planned emergency resolution on Iraq was withdrawn.

Mrs Bridle also suggested that a debate on local preparations for introducing the Euro would be useful. However Mr Lloyd said that this area "constituted a further domination of the agenda by a Blairite clique."

Turning to City Council matters, the subject of selection meetings was discussed. Councillor Peter Marsh-Jenks suggested that "the disarray amongst the Lib-Dems should be taken into account."