CALLS have been made for the resignation of a leading councillor who offered “tricks of the trade” for companies wanting planning permission.
Labour said Greg Stone, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Heaton, Newcastle, should consider his position after he was filmed by The Daily Telegraph saying that “cunning” was sometimes needed to get plans passed.
Coun Stone works for planning consultants Indigo, and was one of a number of people from all three main political parties said to be offering services to big developers.
Both Coun Stone’s employers and his Lib Dem group leader last night insisted he had done nothing unethical and that the councillor has always declared his work with Indigo.
But the suggestion that Mr Stone was cashing in on his role as a councillor has caused concern among opposition members.
Sue Pearson, the chief whip for the Newcastle Labour Group, said: “Greg’s behaviour clearly falls below the ethical standards expected of a councillor. Disparaging comments about other councillors, boasting about being cunning and indulging in practising the ‘tricks of the trade’ to gain approval for developers is pretty damning.
“I think the Newcastle Liberal Democrats, if they wish to remain to be considered reputable, should make the commitment this week that he will not be re-selected as their candidate in 2014.”
Former Newcastle councillor Kevan Jones, now MP for North Durham, said Mr Stone must explain how many Newcastle jobs he has worked on.
David Faulkner, Lib Dem group leader on Newcastle City Council, last night defended his embattled colleague.
He said: “My view is that he ought to have been more cautious and watchful about being lured into this typically deceitful Daily Telegraph ‘sting’, especially after Vince Cable’s experience two years ago.
“However I am not aware of any conflict of interest here nor anything inappropriate about Coun Stone’s role as a planning consultant and how he carries this out.
“He is not involved in determining planning decisions at the city council, and his work is properly declared in the register of interests.
“Should there be any evidenced allegations that indicate otherwise then they would be properly investigated.”
This is not the first time Mr Stone’s work with Indigo has caused the group problems.
In 2008 the councillor was investigated after leaked documents appeared to link Mr Stone with an Indigo document detailing likely voting intentions and pen portraits of Newcastle councillors.
A standards sub committee cleared Mr Stone of any wrongdoing, saying he had not intentionally provided any advice to Indigo colleagues.
Two years later, he resigned as Lib Dem candidate for Newcastle East after making offensive comments about political opponents online.
Last night Mr Stone referred The Journal to a statement made by Indigo managing director Richard Patient, who said the article was “completely misrepresenting”.
He added: “The situation is that we help developers consult with and listen to local communities and their elected representatives to find out what they actually want when new developments are proposed.
“Councillors have a clear choice about whether to talk to developers or not and they have the same choice with community groups. After hearing from both sides, councillors on planning committees can make a well-informed choice about whether to accept or reject schemes.
“At our company, our clear code of conduct goes beyond all legislative and regulatory requirements. Staff who are also councillors don’t work on schemes where the decision will be taken by their own local authority.”
