£35,000 job under fire

DONCASTER Council was today under fire after it emerged it plans to offer the Mayor's next political adviser a £35,000 a year salary.

By The Newsroom

Published 15th Aug 2007, 10:20 BST

Updated 15th Aug 2007, 11:07 BST

It is believed to be a substantial increase on the figure paid to Ian Spowart, who is leaving the post

Alliance of Independent Members leader Coun Garth Oxby said: “I opposed the appointment of a political assistant last time and I oppose it again this time.

“I certainly don’t agree with political appointees to the mayoral administration as I don’t think it is something the taxpayers of Doncaster should be paying for.

“But I believe it is quite legal under the Local Government Act.”

Mr Spowart was a Doncaster councillor for Intake until he lost his seat in 2004. He was Mr Winter’s election agent when he was first elected as Mayor.