NEWPORT'S Tory group leader has dubbed the leader of the council rude and ignorant after failing to consult with opposition councillors over sporting honours for the city.

Councillor Matthew Evans said the idea proposed by Bob Bright to honour the surviving members of the 1963 Newport rugby side and Newport county was "wonderful" but said he would have liked to have been told about it first.

The opposition leader said if a council is to bestow an honour on a city cross party support is needed.

If it is not obtained "it demeans the honour itself," he said.

It comes after Friends of Newport Rugby told the Argus that the group had approached the council with the idea of honouring the 1963 team early this year.

Councillors meeting next Tuesday will consider whether to honour the freedom city to the All Blacks' beating rugby side and the newly-promoted football team.

"I thought it was incredibly rude and ignorant to put forward a motion at council with no supporting documentation without even consulting with us," he said.

"Personally I think its a wonderful idea. [But] bear in mind we're the official opposition party. We represent 20 per cent of councillors.

"We represent a significant area of the city and as such on issues like that we should be notified."

Mr Evans said although it has been mentioned in the agenda for the full council meeting on Tuesday there is no report attached.

He said Lib Dem Cllr Ed Townsend's motion on the Arctic Convoys was an example of cross party co-operation. He added he wasn't making a political point.

Newport council leader Bob Bright, did not comment