Tory leader's 'Apprentice' PR stunt is an insult

1.45.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes attacks Tory stunt appointment

The offer of a council job to the runner up of the BBC's 'The Apprentice' has been attacked by the opposition Liberal Democrats as a gimmick and an insult. Tom Smith-Hughes, Leader of the Council's Lib Dem group, said: "This is another sad example of Lord Hanningfield's obsession with headline-grabbing gimmicks. Remember his daft suggestion that a bank holiday should be created around the Oscar win by Essex girl Helen Mirren?

"Interview by reality television is a crassly irresponsible way to employ people and plays into the hands of the public's cynical opinion of politicians. The use of public money to employ an unknown candidate as a council officer, is an deliberate snub to other candidates with better skills and experience, and existing council staff. This is a clear case of notoriety over ability.

"The County Council is facing serious financial difficulties and Lord Hanningfield regularly warns of reduced services if more funding is not forthcoming. So I am sure that local taxpayers will be furious to see their hard-earned cash being so blatantly abused.

"Lord Hanningfield needs to concentrate on providing the services the public wants, rather than chasing Z-list celebrities."