Salisbury councillor Severina Burner captured telling colleagues to ‘f*** off’ at council meeting

A controversial councillor has been filmed telling colleagues to “f*** off” after raising concerns she had been made to look like an “idiot” during meetings.

A suburban councillor has been captured on video telling colleagues to “f*** off” after raising concerns she had been made to look like an “idiot” during a meeting.

But another member has come to her defence, claiming the duo have been bullied and harassed any time they vote against the rest of the council.

The video, published online by City of Salisbury, shows Councillor Severina Burner became frustrated midway through the policy and planning committee meeting held last month.

She complained that it had not been made clear to her and fellow councillor Grace Bawden – who were both sitting in a car parked outside the council chambers – what they were voting for.

Salisbury councillor Severina Burner tells her fellow councillors to "F*** off” during a meeting. Picture: City of Salisbury

“We have already advised that we’re voting ‘no’ but the problem is that we don’t even know what we’re voting for,” she said.

“Make it clear what exactly we’re voting for, and don’t make it look like we’re idiots.”

Deputy Mayor Chad Buchanan, who chaired the meeting, responded by recounting which item was being discussed.

But Cr Burner indicated she and Cr Bawden would not be participating any further.

“Actually you know what, both of us do not want to participate as long as you guys continue to screw us around like this,” she said.

“Enough is enough. When you learn to appreciate us …”

Cr Buchanan called the meeting to order, before Cr Burner responded “f*** off” and disconnected.

Cr Buchanan said he had been left shocked by the latest outburst.

The incident was captured in video posted by the council. Picture: City of Salisbury

“In 20 years of chairing meetings, I’ve never heard an elected member tell colleagues and staff ‘where to go’ during a formal meeting,” he said.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge also condemned the behaviour.

“One of the things that we believe in is respect, and it’s very disappointing that there was no respect shown that night,” she said.

After contacting Cr Burner for comment, The Advertiser was contacted by a lawyer who said she was unable to speak about the video for legal reasons.

But Cr Bawden said she has felt “ridiculed, bullied and harassed” at committee meetings.

“We were just doing our jobs and trying to do it in a way where we don’t have to be in the room,” she said.

“I wasn’t happy about being antagonised about standing up for a division when I couldn’t stand up, clearly, because I was sitting in a car. That’s how ridiculous this has gotten.

“One of the councillors wants to call a division every single time myself or Cr Burner disagree with their opinions or voting. They always call a division so we can be ridiculed, and I don’t think that’s the right protocol. Any other workplace would not put up with this.

“No one pulls up any of the other councillors who bully and intimidate and harass us. My concerns don’t matter, they don’t care how I feel.”