The accusations were one of a number of 'dirt files' sent to the Examiner which targeted her and Medowie-based councillor Geoff Dingle.

Copies of emails, purported to be from Cr Geoff Dingle, contained details of motions from confidential council meetings sent to a developer and a Port resident.

The developer had been involved in an ongoing court matter with the council.

Cr Francis admitted she had sent an email to council staff urging them to approve a development submitted by Tailor Made Fish Farms at Bobs Farm.

Cr Francis and her husband together own 7000 shares in the company - it represents less than one per cent equity.

The email from Cr Francis asked Mayor Bruce MacKenzie to call the development application to a council meeting for a decision.

"The fish farm was close to losing its grant because council staff had not signed off on a certification certificate," she said. "I had spoken to (corporate services manager) Wayne Wallis and he did nothing and (head planner) David Broyd and (general manager) Peter Gesling were on holidays.

" I said to Bruce (Cr MacKenzie) as mayor to call it to council because the man was going to lose his business and had asked for help, but then nothing happened so I sent the email.

"I told him if he didn't do it I would and the staff took offence.

"I have excused myself from voting and declared a pecuniary interest (in the business) even though I didn't have to because my share is so small."

Cr Dingle declined to comment when contacted by the Examiner.