...while Kev counsels tolerancePoor old Kevin Martin.

The distinguished council member came under sustained attack at the regulation debate.

His crime? Being called Kevin.

First, treasurer Ken Byass noted how estate agency has changed since deregulation: 'Now you deal with Kevin, whose got spikey hair and his entire experience is of selling photocopiers.' But when West Country and Gwent member Geoffrey Sandercock envisaged banks offering legal services, 'with a Kevin on every corner', Mr Martin had had enough.

'Point of order.

I really must protest,' he cried on behalf of Kevins everywhere, before wailing that it was all his parents' fault.

Later, Mr Martin admitted: 'To make matters worse, my father was an estate agent.'