Gloucester City Council (GCC) is facing backlash for advertising a job role that allegedly sells a ‘political agenda’.
Following the council’s listing of a communications officer position, a formal complaint requesting its removal was filed by Stephanie Chambers, leader of the GCC Conservative Group, according to the BBC.
The job role was reportedly advertised to ‘convince the public’ of the local government reorganisation plan proposed by Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat leader of the council.
In response to the listing, Ms Chambers reportedly said: ‘This isn't communication, it is manipulation.
‘The use of the word 'convince' in the job description says it all.'
Cllr Hilton’s ‘Greater Gloucester’ plan is one of three proposals that have been suggested for the reorganisation of Gloucestershire, which functions as a two tier authority at present.
‘With all the discussions so far about local government reorganisation, not one proposal has involved asking the public what they think’, commented Cllr Hilton.
However, Ms Chambers said that the ‘role isn't about informing and listening to residents' opinions, it's about spinning a narrative and selling a political agenda using public money.’
A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said: 'At present, public awareness of the three reorganisation proposals—submitted in March by Gloucestershire’s council leaders to the Local Government Minister, Jim McMahon—appears to be limited.
'The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that residents are fully informed about each of the three proposals put forward in a manner that is impartial, transparent, and accessible.'
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