Liam Calvert, who was suspended following a scandal over his treatment of tenants living at a property he owns in Norwich, is understood to have been among the 16-strong Green group who voted on his position in the party.

The landlord is now back in the Greens - despite most of his colleagues opposing his return - as his critics failed to get a strong enough majority to oust him.

Mike Stonard, the leader of Norwich City Council (Image: Norwich City Council)

Mike Stonard, leader of the Labour-led Norwich City Council, said the matter "raises serious questions" about the Greens' disciplinary process.

It follows an earlier debacle this year involving fellow Green councillor Charlie Caine, who was investigated after being accused of shouting "Nazis" at a group of women holding a vigil.

That probe was dropped after officials discovered the politician had never actually joined the party in the first place. The Mile Cross councillor was then permitted to sign up but face no further action.

Mr Stonard said: "If Mr Calvert wasn't a member of the group because he was suspended and sitting as an independent, why was he eligible to vote?

"And was it........

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