A council leader has spoken out against police officers who have off-duty drinking sessions during major public events.

Ken Bodfish a member of the Sussex Police Authority and leader of Brighton and Hove Council today backed the force's decision to discipline senior officers for being late on duty during last week's Labour conference.

The Argus revealed yesterday how Chief Superintendent Paul Pearce and Superintendent Ken Taylor were moved to new posts after turning up 20 minutes late for a briefing during the Brighton conference.

They and a third officer, Chief Inspector Peter Mills, had been out drinking during part of the day while off duty.

Mr Mills was the only one of the three who arrived on time for the night-shift briefing.

None of the three was drunk or unfit for duty but they were made the subject of discipline proceedings.

All were given "advice", police terminology for a reprimand.

Mr Bodfish and other members of the Sussex Police Authority (SPA), which oversees Sussex Police, supported the force.

Mr Bodfish, a former chairman of the authority, described the incident as "unfortunate".

He said: "I am afraid human nature gets the better of all of us at one time or another but the Chief Constable in my view acted entirely appropriately.

"What he did sends an important message that at times like the Labour conference, senior police must suspend normal social activities.

"They could be called in at a moment's notice - even when they are off duty.

"That is critical, especially during major events."

Ann Swain, the authority's vice chairman, said she had been briefed about what was strictly an "operational" decision.

She said: "I have been briefed and we would support the actions of the Chief Constable."

Ms Swain said a full report on the matter would be presented to the authority at its meeting in Lewes on October 20.

A decision on whether a debate should be held in public has not been made.

Ms Swain said matters involving discipline normally were held in private but she said she appreciated this issue had attracted considerable public debate and interest.