Labour should lay their cards on the table!

12.14.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Sep 2004

Liberal Democrat Group leader Simon Ashley has written to Manchester's Chief Executive and City Solicitor after he was made aware of a £5000 donation from ASK property developers to Manchester Central CLP just 5 weeks before their consortium was narrowly awarded a contract to build a controversial Casino in East Manchester.

He has asked them to investigate whether Councillors who were aware of the donation should have declared an prejudicial interest on the casino bid, and absented themselves from the room when the item was discussed.

Three Councillors declared personal interests as Directors of New East Manchester

Ltd and none left the room.

The City Solicitor has confirmed that no-one approached her to ask for advice of this matter.

Cllr Ashley said today, "For Labour to accept £5,000 from a property developer a week before

the local elections when we had expressed our concerns about the project, and then narrowly award them a huge contract 5 weeks later gives a clear impression of a conflict of interest. The Labour Party should return this money immediately."

He added, "I have asked the Chief Executive and City Solicitor to investigate. When I receive that reply I will decide whether I think a Breach of the Councillors Code of Conduct has taken place and whether this matter should be referred to the Standards Board."

Ends....

For more, contact Simon on: 07879 891150 (Mobile)

0161 234 3354 (Town Hall)

or 0161 336 0421(Home)