County council officials have spoken to senior Tories at the authority after they used County Hall to take photographs of supporters and candidates to launch the party's campaign for next month's ballot.

Under council rules, its buildings should not be used for political, campaigning purposes.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman was also in attendance (Image: Facebook)

A council spokesman said: “We have been made aware of photos taken inside County Hall featuring Conservative candidates and their supporters.

“This issue has been investigated internally. This investigation was undertaken as it is generally considered inappropriate to use council resources for political pictures.

“The photos were arranged by the Conservative group and did not use other council resources such as booked meeting room, printers etc. Nonetheless, it is important that the council retains its neutrality in terms of election matters.

Many posed for photos holding signs with manifesto pledges (Image: Facebook)

“The Conservative group have been reminded of their responsibilities during a pre-election period and have been asked to cease using the photos any further.

"It is generally considered inappropriate to use council resources for political pictures.

"It is important that the council retains its neutrality in terms of election matters."

The controversial photoshoot sparked at squabble at a council meeting earlier this week, when Labour group leader Steve Morphew said it was a violation of the councillor code of conduct.

Kay Mason-Billig, the Tory leader, has defended the move by arguing that the rain had forced the group indoors.

Kay Mason Billig, leader of the Norfolk County Council, has defended the photoshoot (Image: Supplied)

Rishi Sunak got drenched when he announced the 2024 election (Image: PA)

She said that they had wanted to avoid a "Rishi moment", a reference to the former Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak's appearance in the rain outside Downing Street in 2024 when he announced the general election.

Ms Mason Billig accused Mr Morphew of "political posturing" and said other parties had posed for photographs by the entrance to the premises in the past, including his Labour group in 2021.

Following the reprimand, Mr Morphew called on the Tories to apologise and for Mrs Mason Billig to take down the photos she shared on her Facebook page.

Mr Morphew has called on the Tories to apologise (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mrs Mason-Billig pointed to a Labour campaign photo in 2021, where Mr Morphew is pictured in the top-right (Image: Supplied)

"Had this been a genuine mistake rather than trying to get away with it, owning it would have been enough," he said.

"Accusing others and denying wrongdoing just makes it worse and shines a light on their attitude to rules.

"Conservatives should apologise, take down those photos and withdraw any leaflets they have used them in."

The dispute comes as the Tory-led council prepares to defend its majority in the local elections on May 7.

© Norwich Evening News