Paul Wright, of Chauffeur Wright, Shawbury, was at the North Shropshire District Council hearing to learn whether he would be stripped of his operating licence.

However, a majority of members of North Shropshire District Council’s licensing committee declared an interest in the case, forcing the hearing to be abandoned.

Mr Wright had previously been convicted of hiring unregistered drivers.

His solicitor submitted a reference to the committee from Councillor Brian Gillow, a member of Shropshire County Council, in support of his client’s case.

However, councillors sought legal advice as a number of them said they knew Councillor Gillow on a personal level and were concerned this might prejudice the hearing.

If the councillors who had expressed a concern had left the room or not been allowed to vote there would have been fewer than the required number of people to make a decision. Councillor Gillow was used as a reference because he is a Chauffeur Wright client.

Councillor Peggy Carson, committee chairman, said: “This council will try to find a solution as quickly as possible. This is the first occasion this happened.” She apologised on behalf of the committee to Mr Wright.

At today’s meeting councillors were due to consider a number of options, including revoking or suspending Mr Wright’s licence, after he admitted employing an unlicensed driver and not keeping proper records at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court last month.

The hearing will be held at a later date. Mr Wright declined to comment.