Calls for councillors to declare membership of ‘secret societies’ and private clubs
There are calls in Gloucester for politicians who are members of “secret societies” to have to declare their allegiances.
Labour councillors are planning to call for a change in rules at Gloucester City Council at a meeting later this week.
Councillor John Jones (L, Kingsway), the main proponent of the changes which would require a declaration from elected officials of membership-only organisations, said it would provide more transparency at the authority.
He said: “Public trust in politicians is at an all time low, particularly in light of recent revelations about the City Council’s finances.
“The Labour group is bringing a motion designed to increase transparency around the interests of elected officials.
“If it passes, all members will be required under the council’s code of conduct to declare their affiliation with membership-only organisations.
“The Labour group believes that the people of Gloucester deserve openness and transparency from their councillors.
“As elected officials we are accountable to the people who vote for us and we believe the council should be doing more to ensure this accountability is demonstrated by all councillors.”
The proposals look likely to be supported by the Liberal Democrats but opposed by the Conservatives and Community Independents.
Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said his group would support the move.
“The Lib Dem group has discussed this motion and we shall support it in principle, though we plan a minor amendment,” he said.
“Councillors should disclose membership of secret societies and private clubs such as the Freemasons, for example.
“Openness and transparency should be a priority. That’s what the public expects.”
However, Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said the motion was “totally unnecessary”.
She said the council should focus on fixing services “not wasting time on intrusive political stunts”.
“Councillors already have to declare everything the law requires, the Constitution makes sure of that,” she said.
“What Labour are asking for now goes way beyond transparency. It feels more like an unhealthy delve into councillors’ private lives, their social activities, their places of worship, and where they spend their free time.”
And Community Independents group leader Alastair Chambers, a Freemason, claimed Labour was pushing measures that intrude into people’s private lives.
“Our Independent group has never demanded that people list every trade union they belong to, nor have we insisted they declare political affiliations or associations,” he said.
“That would be wholly inappropriate. Private life is private.
“This creeping obsession with ID cards, facial recognition, and compelled disclosure represents a gross overreach of state power. It is not the Britain most people want to live in.
“Personally, I have nothing to hide. I’ve been open about my life and affiliations — on Netflix, Amazon, TalkTV, GMTV and Sky TV. I’ve publicly acknowledged that I was a freemason. But that choice was mine.
“History teaches us why people have legitimate fears about being forced to declare associations.
“Freemasonry was driven underground in the 20th century because of persecution.”
Councillors will debate the proposal at their full meeting on January 29.