The leader of Burntwood Town Council has accused Labour councillors of pre-election “desperation”.
The controlling Conservative group had been criticised by the opposition for failing to stand up to plans to build new homes on Green Belt land in the town.
Labour group leader Cllr Diane Evans said the Tories were merely shedding “crocodile tears” rather than fully fighting the proposals.
But Cllr Helen Fisher, leader of the Conservative controlling group, accused Labour of trying to play politics over the issue ahead of Staffordshire County Council elections.
She said: “Anyone who attended the recent Cabinet meeting at Lichfield District Council will have seen how vociferously I have defended the Green Belt, particularly around Burntwood, and I have since been thanked publicly by Burntwood Action Group for my efforts.
“Unfortunately this politicised attack by Labour looks like nothing more than desperation prior to some important local elections.”
