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Councillors may need to declare 'secret societies'

Carmelo GarciaLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLocal Democracy Reporting Service An older bald man wearing a black v-neck jumper with a checked shirt beneath it reads from a piece of paper as he stands up at a council meeting. There is a woman sat beside him with grey hair, wearing a black jacket and black glasses. A woman wearing a blue headwrap can be seen sitting on the bench behind. Behind the man's head is a screen with a timer, showing two minutes and one second of the council meeting has passed.Local Democracy Reporting Service
John Jones (standing) said councillors declaring their allegiances would provide greater transparency

Politicians who are members of what a council leader has called "secret societies" may have to declare their allegiances in future.

Labour councillors are planning to call for a change in Gloucester City Council's rules at a meeting on 29 January.

John Jones, the main proponent of the changes which would require a declaration from elected officials of membership-only organisations, said it would provide more transparency at the authority following recent revelations about its finances.

While Jeremy Hilton, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, said his group would support the move, Stephanie Chambers, Conservative group leader, branded the proposals "totally unnecessary" and "intrusive".

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Jones said if the motion passes all members will be required under Gloucester City Council's code of conduct to declare their affiliation with membership-only organisations, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"As elected officials we are accountable to the people who vote for us and [the Labour group] believes the council should be doing more to ensure this accountability is demonstrated by all councillors," he said.

Hilton said the Liberal Democrats had discussed the motion and supported it in principle, although it plans "a minor amendment".

"Councillors should disclose membership of secret societies and private clubs such as the Freemasons," the council leader said.

'Intrusive'

"Openness and transparency should be a priority, that's what the public expect."

But Chambers said the council should focus on fixing services, "not wasting time on intrusive political stunts".

"Councillors already have to declare everything the law requires, the Constitution makes sure of that," Chambers said.

"What Labour are asking for now goes way beyond transparency. It feels more like an unhealthy delve into the councillors' private lives, their social activities, their places of worship, and where they spend their free time."

The proposal will be debated at the full council meeting on 29 January.

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