Labour has today come under attack by opposition councillors for electioneering at the taxpayer’s expense after Haringey Council distributed its latest edition of the controversial ‘Haringey People’ publication just 21 days before the European election on 4th June where two Haringey Labour councillors are standing as candidates.

The publication which Labour councillors have complete editorial control is delivered to every household in Haringey at a cost of £400,000. This edition features prominent articles promoting Cllr Lorna Reith, deputy Labour leader.

Haringey Council’s own publicity guidance published before the election shows that during the election period the Council must not publish any material which appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party. The publication of Haringey People during this period seems to break these rules.

Liberal Democrats are committed to cutting the number of publications from 12 to 4 a year, and would uphold the neutrality during election period.

Councillor Robert Gorrie, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, says:

“It is completely wrong to use public money, particularly of a council in financial crisis, to campaign in the middle of an election where Labour councillors are standing.

“Local residents who face real hardship with job losses and recession will be outraged to learn they are subbing Labour in its election campaign.

“Haringey Labour should be forced to pay back the costs.”

Lynne Featherstone MP, Hornsey & Wood Green MP, added:

“If Haringey Labour cannot motivate any supporters, it doesn’t mean it should turn to the public purse to make up the shortfall.

“Haringey Labour has long treated Haringey Council as its own personal piggy bank. It is time for this to stop.”