On the plane from Spain - at your expense AGAIN!

Date article online: 15/05/2008

David Murphy can serve yet another 6 months, at your expense, as a Councillor despite moving to Murcia in Spain! His attendance at last night’s 15 minute Council Meeting has ensured that he can continue to live by the coast in Spain at taxpayer’s expense. Labour withdrew the whip from Councillor Murphy in May, 9 months after Councillor Murphy’s controversial continental secret was revealed.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Heywood and Middleton Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate said: “It is clear that Councillor Murphy’s suspension from the Labour Party is a sham. This was carried out for the purpose of fooling the electorate in this month’s local elections.

“He was quite happy to miss the vital Council Meeting in April and dozens of others but attend for a 15 minute rubber stamping of his controversial colleague, Mayor Robin Parker. It’s clear that the lure of free food and booze has dragged him from his continental pad. It just shows his priorities, and with the current rainfall in Spain, one could argue he’s come to take advantage of our current heatwave.

“I was ashamed to see Councillor Murphy being welcomed with open arms by his Labour Colleagues. He voted with Labour, socialised with Labour and had the red carpet rolled out by Labour. A good time was had by all, guess what – you, the taxpayer, are footing the bill.”

The Lib Dems have put a Freedom of Information Request into the Council asking how much Councillor Murphy has claimed in travel expenses in the last year.