'No problems with press department'

THE three other politicians named on the letter of complaint have told The Sentinel they have no issues with the running of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's communications department.

Conservative and Independent Alliance leader councillor Roger Ibbs said: "We expressed some concerns during the first couple of months after Dan Barton joined us.

"I think he was new to local government and we were new to him and it was quite a culture.

"But Dan is proving to be an excellent head of our publicity and press department.

"I don't have any reservations about how Dan is working.

"I think the original letter was added to with some stuff that I, Joy and Jean did not sign up to."

Labour group leader councillor Joy Garner said: "I have no problems with Dan whatsoever. I find him a very straightforward and hardworking guy.

"When he first came in there were a few issues, and there was a letter that we didn't orchestrate, but we were told we needed to get it sorted so we said 'OK'.

"I have had no problems with the press office at all.

"If the elected mayor finds he is having a problem then I can understand it could also be a problem for the council."

Liberal Democrat group leader Jean Bowers said she was angry the letter had been leaked, and that she had not agreed to put her name to the letter.

She said: "I didn't sign a letter but I feel very aggrieved that someone has done this and they haven't got the courage to identify themselves.

"It is below-the-belt tactics, but what happens with staff matters is a staffing matter.

"I didn't know that letter was going anywhere and I wasn't at the meeting which took place.

"I think it is a private matter. As far as I'm concerned the situation has been addressed and things are OK."