MP denies 'conflict of interest' over Gypsy sites - Kidderminster

WYRE Forest’s MP has denied a Labour councillor’s claim that his case workers, who are also council cabinet members, have a “conflict of interest” over proposed Traveller sites.

Wyre Forest district Labour member Adrian Sewell made the claim about Conservative councillors Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow, who are employed by MP Mark Garnier and are also in the cabinet which will have the final say on pitch plans.
Mr Sewell believed the two councillors worked on drafting Mr Garnier’s 12-page consultation response, which questioned the number of pitches the council said it required but the Conservative MP said: “They have had no involvement”.
Mr Sewell said: “I do feel there’s a conflict of interest where Julian Phillips and Tracey Onslow have been accessories, if you like to, compiling a report opposing their own proposal.”