A councillor who caused outrage with his outspoken Twitter comments on Armed Forces Day has had formal disciplinary proceedings started against him by his own party this morning.

The executive of Brighton and Hove Green Party have unanimously agreed to launch disciplinary proceedings against Councillor Ben Duncan who sparked controversy after describing serving British soldiers as “hired killers”.

Green MP Caroline Lucas has said the Queen’s Park councillor should no longer represent the Greens on the council.

In a statement released this morning, a Brighton and Hove Green Party spokesman said: “In light of the Twitter comments made by Councillor Ben Duncan on Saturday, the Green Party of Brighton and Hove has this morning started a formal disciplinary process.

“The Executive of Brighton and Hove Green Party this morning unanimously decided that disciplinary proceedings were justified and will report any outcomes in due course.

“A panel will now be formed to determine what, if any, further action is warranted.”