Council media officer also worked for radio station

Former Council Communications Officer Stuart Clarkson also provided broadcast journalism services to GMG Radio whilst employed by the Council.

On his website Mr Clarkson says:

"Freelance work was initially alongside employment at Rochdale Council. Providing broadcast journalism services to GMG Radio - compiling and presenting news bulletins to exact hourly durations for the national network of Real Radio and Smooth Radio stations and for Rock Radio in the North West. Providing journalism and graphic design services to radio industry website RadioToday.co.uk - writing daily editorial content, selling advertising space and designing adverts for clients. Also creating weekly eRADIO newsletter, distributed to 10,000 subscribers in the radio industry."

Concern has been expressed that this represented a conflict of interest, however, it is understood that it is not against council rules and Mr Clarkson informed his immediate superiors of his role within the radio industry.

Along with dealing with media enquiries and writing ‘press’ releases, the Council communications team is also responsible for 'recommending' where Council money should be spent on marketing and advertising.

A freedom of information request has revealed that in the three years prior to Mr Clarkson joining Rochdale Borough Council, the Council spent £1,310 with radio stations, in the three years following Mr Clarkson's appointment, the Council spent over £24,000 with radio stations. The Council has pointed out that Mr Clarkson left the Council's employ in July 2010 and the 2010 spend was booked in September and November of that year.

The Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, said that whilst he wasn’t keen on talking about an individual member of staff, all spending should be scrutinised.

He said: “The Council always needs to thoroughly scrutinise all spending to ensure there isn’t any favouritism, whether there is or it seems there is - and that has always been my view.”

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert, said: “When we took over the administration of the council we were clear the old ways of working had to come to an end.

“We have worked tirelessly to bring about a more open and transparent way of working.

“It is clear within the rules for elected members that any potential conflict of interest has to be registered.

“When dealing with public money and contracts every single transaction has to be above board and seen to be honest.

“It is unhelpful when a cloud appears which puts this openness and honesty in question.

“If a formal complaint is made to Rochdale MBC then a full enquiry will be made - which I will oversee myself as Leader.

“Such an enquiry must also ensure it is not happening in any part of the council now and that all safeguards are in place for the future.”

Mr Clarkson has failed to respond to requests for comment.