TV ban for council leaders
Friday 8th May 2009, 2:00PM BST.
Political leaders on Shropshire Council have been warned not to appear on a TV debate show – in case it sparks a legal challenge.
The new unitary council has warned its three main party group leaders not to take part in the BBC’s Politics Show.
But Liberal Democrat Peter Phillips is set to defy the advice, saying only a council injunction would stop him appearing.
Councillor Phillips and other group leaders Malcolm Pate (Conservative) and Alan Mosley (Lab- our) have been approached to take part in the live show on May 17.
It is understood the council’s deputy chief executive and head of legal services Claire Porter wrote to the men saying she was concerned the impression could be given that the council was supporting the three by promoting them on national television and this could lead to a challenge under the Local Government Act by other political groups or candidates.
It is thought she told them that in a pre-election period the council must not be act- ively involved in any publicity by assisting candidates directly involved in the election.
Councillor Phillips said: “It is most bizarre. Given that all three of us would appear on the programme how can it be seen that the council is supporting a particular campaign.
“I have taken a QC’s advice and I will appear on the show unless the council takes out an injunction against me.”
Councillor Mosley said he would approach his regional office for advice before deciding whether to appear.
“It does seem ludicrous that as party leaders we are being told that we can’t appear on the national media because the council might be seen to be supporting our campaigns,” he said.
“I find it a very, very restrictive interpretation of the rules and will be in touch with our regional office.
Councillor Pate added: “Obviously I would have like to have gone on the programme but Claire Porter has taken QC’s advice. I have to accept the advice I’m getting and I shall not be appearing on the show.”
Miss Porter said: “I have given them confidential legal advice and I am not in any position to comment.”
Elections for the 74 seats on Shropshire Council take place on June 4. Nominations from candidates closed yesterday.
By Dave Morris
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What sort of ‘legal challenge’ might they be expecting I wonder?
You have to wonder if this is how things will go now for the Shropshire Council – I wonder what they are afraid of…!
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they dont want them to take part because they are ashamed of the way our council is now run. its ruined shrewsbury and made the people of this town hate them even more.
in fact why not let them take part then we can all have a good laugh at their expense.
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belle vue: I think you will find that the tragic reality is it will be a laugh at YOUR expense and every other taxpayer’s!!
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So this is how the officer-driven Shropshire Unitary Council aims to do business, is it?
Shame on them! But Kudos to councillor Phillips. Incidentally no officer has the power or authority to ban an elected councillor from speaking to anyone.
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So they intend to hide away, pop their heads up for glory and the odd photo shoot, and collect three white feathers off the general public.
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Good for this bloke. Shame on the rest, if they decide to become temporarily mute then maybe new councillors who WILL talk should be elected?
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The officers run the Council they run rings round most of the Councillors and push through what ever suits them.
I’ve been given ‘confidential legal advice’ in the past which in reality meant ‘we are going to try and shut you up from saying anything we don’t agree with’. Democracy? No not realy.
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