Laura Sharman 09 December 2015

Councillors caught watching football during finance debate

Two Labour councillors have been caught watching a football game during a finance debate at Croydon Council.

Cllr John Wentworth and Cllr Pat Ryan were spotted by a member of the public watching a game between Crystal Palace and Everton while the council debated funding cuts.

The councillors have apologised after a member of the public, Gabriella Bush, took a photo of them watching the game on a tablet and shared it on social media.

Nice to see councillors have their full attention on matters. #CroydonLive pic.twitter.com/seBXA0T5f1
— Gabriella Bush (@GabbyGrace) December 7, 2015

Cllr Wentworth took to Twitter to apologise for checking the score during the council meeting

Being an avid @CPFC fan is no excuse for checking score during Council meeting. Apologies for any offence caused.
— John Wentworth (@johnpwentworth) December 8, 2015

#Social media

Analysis

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

What the new cross-border placement rules in Scotland mean

In this expert analysis, Ellen Bond, MFMac’s Family Law team, outlines what the new Cross-border Placement of Children Regulations 2026 will mean for councils.

Most Popular News

Why Reform UK is misguided, mistaken and just plain wrong on pensions

EXCLUSIVE: Pay spine review kicks off

Four in 10 of England’s councils to require bail outs

Experts' 'concern' over LGR decision-making

'Widespread lack of understanding' to blame for key worker oversight

New Products

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

LADO Operation Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Up to £53076 per annum

Lead the safeguarding response that protects children and young people across two boroughs. As the LADO Operations Manager for Kensington and Chelsea England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Community Connector (Mid)

£27665.00 - £32546.00 per annum

Community Connector (Mid)Fixed Term, Full Time£27,665 to £32,546.00 per annumLocation

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Violence Reduction Team Manager

Up to £53076 per annum

Lead a specialist team reducing violent harm and supporting young people to find safer, positive paths forward. As our Youth Violence Service Team Man England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Engineer (Highways Assets)

Up to £44937 per annum

Help maintain and protect the borough's highways, bridges and drainage systems - keeping our streets safe and connected every dayHelp maintain and pro England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Quality and Improvement Officers

Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 p.a.

A vacancy has arisen within the Property Partnerships and Innovation team for two full time permanent Quality and Improvement Officers. WHAT IS INVO Durham

Recuriter: Durham County Council