From: AN Officer [mailto:an.officer@brighton-hove.gov.uk]Sent: 11 June 2009 16:31
To: Dee Simson; Amy Kennedy; Gill Mitchell; Jayne Bennett
Subject: Bra recycling picture - CANCELLED
Dear Cllrs,
A short while ago [AN Officer's colleague] informed you about a cross-party photo call the council press office was trying to organise in support of breast cancer awareness and fundraising.
Unfortunately, we will not now be able to use councillors in the photo call as Cllr Elgood has objected to it going ahead on the grounds that it would contravene purdah regulations on party political publicity in the run-up to local authority elections.
As you know, we believed the cross-party nature of the picture would circumvent any party politics. However, Cllr Elgood rightly points out that because there are no female Liberal Democrat councillors – and because he would not want male Liberal Democrat councillors to be in such a picture – it is not truly a ‘cross-party’ media initiative.
The photo call is now likely to go ahead with officers as it cannot be postponed due to the fact that the bra recycling bins are already in place and, as such, are the subject of public discussion.
I realise you will be disappointed but I hope I have clearly explained the reasons for this development. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions.
AN
AN Officer
Brighton & Hove City Council
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From: Amy Kennedy
Sent: 11 June 2009 18:11From: Amy Kennedy
To: AN Officer; Dee Simson; Gill Mitchell; Jayne Bennett
Subject: RE: Bra recycling picture - CANCELLED
Dear AN
Thank you for letting us know that the Bra Recycling photocall has been cancelled.
I have to say I am extremely disappointed about this, and feel that Cllr Elgood might have waived his objections given the charitable nature of the project.
After all, it is hardly the fault of female Green, Conservative, Labour, or Independent councillors that the Liberal Democrats have no women representatives on Brighton & Hove City Council.
Nevertheless, I understand why you feel compelled to take this course of action under the circumstances, and I thank you again for advising us regarding the cancellation of the photocall.
With best wishes
Amy
Amy Kennedy
Green City Councillor for Preston Park Ward
Brighton & Hove City Council
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What a miserable response from the Liberal Democrats to an extremely worthwhile initiative.
Female readers in Brighton & Hove may like to know that the "bra banks" are now situated with the other recycling containers at the South Side of the Level.
