Lib Dems 'misled public'

In a bitter row at the Vale of White Horse District Council's annual meeting, Conservative councillor Peter Saunders said the Lib Dems regularly issued press releases which gave the impression that they were official council statements.

The meeting was told that the Vale's public relations officer, Gill Purchase, had complained about the Lib Dems interfering with her work and issuing the wrong information.

But the Lib Dems have denied that they interfered with Ms Purchase's work. Ms Purchase has left to take up a new post.

Lib Dem leader Paul Bizzell reassured his colleagues that there would be no attempt to interfere with the work of her successor.

Cllr Saunders told the meeting that Ms Purchase had complained on several occasions about the Liberal Democrats doing her job and issuing information which was sometimes "misleading and inaccurate".

Tory group leader, Cllr Melinda Tilley added: "It is important that official council press releases represent the views of the whole council, and not just those of the ruling party."

Lib Dem councillor Jim Moley rejected the Tories' criticisms as "shameful".

Chief executive Terry Stock denied suggestions that the public relations officer was forced out.

He said: "Gill Purchase had been with the council for about eight or nine years and decided it was time to move. She wanted a new challenge and went to a better paid job."

After the meeting, he said he was aware of Ms Purchase's "irritations" involving the Liberal Democrats' own press officer - the late Cllr Tony Slade - which she took up with her union branch.

He added: "I am absolutely certain that any genuine concern about work-related matters would have been raised through agreed processes - and that did not happen. The council's officers have and will continue to issue fair, balanced and impartial information," he said.

Political parties could legitimately issue their own releases but had to state clearly their origin.