New Labour spin doctor to cost almost £30,000. And guess who's paying? 08/03/05

Local Conservatives today criticised the decision by Haringey's ruling Labour group to employ a political spin doctor on the rates at a cost to council taxpayers of nearly £30,000 a year.

The 'political assistant's' duties include policy development and producing Labour group press releases. Emphasising the political nature of the role, applicants must be members of the Labour Party.

Conservative candidates standing locally in the General Election have criticised the appointment, pointing out that many of the responsibilities listed should in fact be undertaken by Haringey's handsomely remunerated Labour Councillors.

Peter Forrest, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Hornsey & Wood Green, said:

"This is politicking on the rates. It shows the paucity of thinking if 41 Labour Councillors cannot come up with policy ideas or press releases without having their hands held."

William MacDougall, Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Tottenham, added:

"Just after the May 2002 Council Elections, Councillors voted through a doubling of their annual allowances to more than £½ million pounds, with even backbenchers on £8,500 a year. It beggars belief that the Labour Group should think of spending even more council taxpayers' money on supporting already well-remunerated councillors."

ENDS.