Last week, councillors voted 4-3 to replace Cr Moran with Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba.

On Friday, councillors Moran, Kellie Marsh and Helen Stewart lodged a rescission motion against the decision, to demand Cr Moran be reappointed.

Debate at Monday night's meeting came to an abrupt end when a war of words erupted between councillors Moran and Saliba.

The heated exchange began when Cr Moran mentioned Cr Saliba's state parliamentary history and "associations with Eddie Obeid" as community concerns.

Cr Saliba rebuked the claim, saying Eddie Obeid was "a member of Parliament, just as many other members of Parliament are".

"There was no other relationship other than that and I would ask you to be very, very careful in your comments," she told Cr Moran.

Cr Saliba later directed Cr Moran to remain on topic during his right of reply or she would end it. She did so, and the motion was again lost 4-3.

Earlier, Cr Moran spoke of how the matter was "brought up in a bit of an ambush" last meeting.

He was supported by Cr Marsh, who said Cr Saliba's appointment "came from left field", and Cr Stewart who urged councillors to "have a good look at ourselves".

"I think the councillors sitting in this room need to get over their personalities, need to get away from their personal agendas and stick to the facts," Cr Stewart said.

Cr Marsh also questioned why the move was made when Cr Moran had only been reappointed to the position in September.