Conservatives claim breach of protocol by Lib Dems

Date published: 22/10/2007

Rochdale Conservatives are to complain to the Council's Chief Executive at the appearance of Councillor Peter Evans, the Mayor of Rochdale, in a photograph in the Lib Dems latest political leaflet.

Conservative Ian Duckworth said: "Councillor Evans appears in a photograph of the raising of the Pakistan flag on Pakistan Independance Day flanked by Lib Dem councillors Naim Mahmud, Zulf Ali and Paul Rowen MP. There can be no ambiguity as to Councillor Peter Evans role as he is described in the caption as Mayor and is wearing his chain of office.

"This is the worst breach of protocol I have ever seen and the Lib Dems must be fully aware that this is the case, if not, they are so ignorant as to be unfit to represent the electorate.
 
"The whole thing smacks of their desperation to garner the ethnic vote and they must be calculating that any punishment is worth the cost to Councillor Evans and the Lib Dems.
 
"As first citizen of out town, Councillor Evans should be above politics.

This is just another example of the Lib Dems political philosphy of 'the end justifies the means'."

Commenting on this, Lib Dem Agent and Publisher of the newspaper Dave Hennigan said: "There is absolutely no problem with using pictures that the Mayor happens to be in.  Former Councillor Duckworth's comments are as usual completely wrong.  He claims that this picture was published in desperation 'to garner the ethnic vote'.  He couldn't be more wrong.

"I take hundreds of photos at various events across the Borough throughout the year.  Indeed I remember taking a photo that Ian Duckworth was in last year in a Save our Hospital rally. 

"Let me make this clear - this is not party political.  Our literature features news and events from across Rochdale.

"Ian has got to realise that sometimes our stories may be about Pakistani, Irish, Bangladeshi or any any other community that forms part of our diverse Rochdale Community.  That is not pandering to any community, that is keeping all of our communities in touch. 

"He needs a reality check - it would be a completely different matter if the Mayor was used to attack any political party like has happened in the past."