Lambeth’s council leader has dismissed his upcoming conduct hearing as “a storm in a teacup.”

Steve Reed is due to answer allegations he disclosed confidential information about a councillor who defected from his Labour administration to join the Conservatives.

He allegedly made derogatory comments about former Brixton Hill ward councillor Betty Evans-Jacas, and was said to have revealed information relating to her council tax payments.

The council’s conduct committee will decide if any disciplinary action should be taken against Coun Reed.

The committee has the power to suspend members based on the seriousness of a breach.

But Coun Reed said he believed the information was disclosable, and he had taken legal advice that was the case.