'It's hands-free!': Moment Labour councillor is quizzed for joining an online meeting while DRIVING after placing his mobile phone behind the steering wheel

By OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 15:23, 8 July 2026 | Updated: 15:26, 8 July 2026 This is the moment a Labour councillor who joined an online council meeting while driving insists he is 'hands-free' after wedging his phone behind the steering wheel. Councillor Jim Montgomerie, of Labour-led North Ayrshire Council, sparked an uproar after suddenly appearing on screen from the driver's seat. In footage from the June 24 meeting, Cllr Montgomerie is seen casually navigating the road before an unsettled colleague interrupted the meeting.  Council leader Tony Gurney interjected to raise a point of order with Provost Anthea Dickson as others laugh and shake their heads.  He said: 'I'd like to raise a point of order. At least I think it is a point of order. 'We allow people to attend remotely on the basis that they concentrate on the proceedings of the council. And I do wonder whether being on the road and having to concentrate on driving would perhaps mar that in any respect.' Provost Dickson replied: 'Yes, I don't want to be seen to be encouraging this. When you are not allowed to use your mobile phone and you could get prosecuted by the police.'  Cllr Montgomerie appeared unperturbed, interrupting to insist he was 'hands-free'.   Council leader Tony Gurney (left) is seen interrupting proceedings to raise a point of order with Provost Anthea Dickson, as his colleagues laugh and shake their heads Councillor Jim Montgomerie (pictured bottom right) baffled his colleagues after he suddenly appeared on screen from behind the wheel during the June 24 meeting 'I know it's hands-free,' Provost Dickson shot back.   'I feel most uncomfortable endorsing this and would prefer if you rejoin once you're in a location, and you are stable and not driving.' After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Cllr Gurney interrupts proceedings again to express his dissatisfaction.  He said: 'Provost, I am not entirely sure that I am happy with that answer. 'I understand we are on questions now but we will shortly be on motions and I do wonder whether that is appropriate.' Provost Dickson replied: 'I think we have given our warning and our suggestion to the member and his actions will stand for himself.' 'Thank you, Provost,' Cllr Montgomerie said. Provost Dickson replied: 'I don't know what you're thanking me for.' Provost Anthea Dickson (left) said she was 'most uncomfortable' with the unusual interruption The meeting had almost reached its third hour before the interruption, with Cllr Montgomerie remaining at the wheel for the last 20 minutes. As the meeting came to a close, Cllr Gurney spoke out again and said that any councillor joining the meeting while driving should be excluded from voting.  Provost Dickson replied: 'I think that is a fair point and we will note it.  'I think that obviously we need to modify our remote access because we cannot have members putting themselves at risk and driving cars at the same time as participating in the meeting.  'We will see how that comes up in the future.' In Scotland, motorists are not allowed to hold or use a phone while driving. That includes taking part in Zoom, Teams, FaceTime or other video calls on a handheld device, with the rule applying at red lights or when stopped in traffic. Drivers can use a phone hands-free through Bluetooth or a dashboard mount. But police may still act if the driver appears distracted or not in full control of the vehicle.  Anyone caught holding and using a phone while driving faces a £200 fine and six penalty points. Drivers are urged to pull over and park before joining calls.  A Police Scotland spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We are aware of the video circulating online and enquiries are ongoing.' A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: 'We have established procedures in place for elected members attending hybrid meetings. 'Each member is aware of both these procedures and the expectations of participating virtually.' Cllr Montgomerie has been approached for comment.