LGA Peer Review calls for “a more productive relationship with the media” and for exemplary behaviour by councillors on Liverpool City Council

LGA Peer Review calls for “a more productive relationship with the media” and for exemplary behaviour by councillors on Liverpool City Council

Right: Mayor Joe Anderson (Elected Mayor of Liverpool City Council) Left: Former Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council Ged Fitzgerald 21st April 2017

LGA Peer Review calls for “a more productive relationship with the media” and for exemplary behaviour by councillors on Liverpool City Council

                             

Right: Mayor Joe Anderson (Elected Mayor of Liverpool City Council) Left: Former Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council Ged Fitzgerald 21st April 2017
Right: Mayor Joe Anderson (Elected Mayor of Liverpool City Council) Left: Former Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council Ged Fitzgerald 21st April 2017

This evening councillors on Liverpool City Council’s Audit and Governance Select Committee at a public meeting will discuss a recent Local Government Association Peer Review of Liverpool City Council.

The report contains this about Liverpool City Council’s relationship with the media and the behaviour of its councillors,

“We heard from many staff, partners and some councillors that the way the council, as a corporate entity, is perceived and portrayed by some in the media does a dis-service to the citizens of Liverpool and the many people within the organisation, both staff and elected members, who demonstrate such commitment, enthusiasm and desire to make a difference. It needs to be addressed. The team were clear that one way for the council to address this would be to re-open discussions with the media outlet that was boycotted by the Elected Mayor, as it is not in anybody’s interests to continue with the current situation. At the time of writing, it is understood that discussions have, as the team suggested, been re-opened. However, an approach to maintaining a more productive relationship with the media should be a feature within the council’s action plan produced in response to the peer challenge.

The police investigation that emanated from Lancashire County Council has raised issues about the former Chief Executive in Liverpool. This requires the council to ensure that the way it now operates in terms of openness and transparency, including the issue of behaviour across elected members and in the Council Chamber, is nothing short of exemplary so that Liverpool can continue to make progress in service delivery and outcomes for its residents.”

 

It is unknown whether the boycotted media outlet referred to is the Sun (although Cllr Richard Kemp points out in a comment that he thinks it is the Liverpool Echo).

Liverpool City Council’s Audit and Governance Select Committee meets tonight in the Banquet Suite, 6th Floor, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1AH starting at 5.00 pm.

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Author: John Brace

New media journalist from Birkenhead, England who writes about Wirral Council. Published and promoted by John Brace, 134 Boundary Road, Bidston, CH43 7PH. Printed by UK Webhosting Ltd t/a Tsohost, 113-114 Buckingham Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, England, SL1 4PF.

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