A COUNCILLOR who sat down when God Save The Queen was played at the opening night of Newport's Riverfront Theatre was an "embarrassment" to the city, a council meeting heard.

A packed concert hall stood up while Welsh star Katherine Jenkins sang the national anthem of Great Britain - but Labour councillor David Mayer sat down in protest.

The evening was a special occasion to herald the opening of the £16.5m theatre and was attended by VIPs and hundreds of guests of the council.

Councillor Matthew Evans, Conservative leader of the opposition, told a full Newport council meeting: "It was an excellent occasion. However, it was marred by the actions of the councillor, whose behaviour was ignorant and irresponsible.

"What he does in his own time is one thing but this was an official function where he was representing the council.

"The High Sheriff, the Lord Lieutenant and many other civic dignitaries were present. It was an embarrassment. It's unacceptable behaviour.

John Griffiths AM is a very well known republican and I'm sure he remained standing."

Councillor Mayer, who represents Malpas and is chairman of the scrutiny forum for resources, said: "I stood and sang for the Welsh national anthem. I don't see why I should support the Queen and all she stands for, which has nothing to do with democracy.

"It's possible some people were offended but I do what I feel is right. I'm entitled to these views."

He also accused his Conservative critics of trying to make political capital out of his stand.

In the council meeting, Councillor Evans called on council leader Bob Bright to reprimand Councillor Mayer "for his loutish behaviour".

Councillor Bright replied: "We live in a free society and about 50 per cent of the populace is republican. It's not up to me to dictate on a matter of conscience or any views."

John Griffiths, AM for Newport East, was at the gala opening on Friday, October 22, but did not sit down during the anthem. After the council meeting, he said: "I'm a staunch republican who believes people should be citizens not subjects.

"I stood up out of respect for other people's views but I didn't sing. Sitting down would have been disrespectful."

Council leader Bright invited Councillor Evans to pursue the matter with the standards committee. Councillor Evans declined.