Tory leader's 'Apprentice' PR stunt insult

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 10th Jun 2008

Commenting on Essex County Council leader, Lord Hanningfield's plans to offer a council job to whichever candidate is runner up of the BBC's 'The Apprentice', Tom Smith-Hughes, Leader of the council's Liberal Democrats' 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 Essex girl Helen Mirren's Oscar win?

"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.

"At a time when the County Council is facing serious financial difficulties and when Lord Hanningfield regularly warns of reduced services if more funding is not forthcoming, I'm 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."

ENDS