"YOU KHAN DO THAT" CLAIM AS COUNCIL ISSUES "PROPAGANDA"

28-03-2008

Birmingham Council has been accused of issuing propaganda in favour of Liberal Democrat councillor Ayoub Khan. Rivals claim a leaflet offering financial advice and bearing Khan’s picture was distributed with tax bills – but only in Aston where he’s standing in the local elections.

The leaflet, headlined “Making The Most Of Your Money” was issued by the Financial Inclusion Partnership – run by the Council, together with organisations including Citizens Advice Bureaux and Credit Unions.

It includes a prominent picture and quotation from Khan in his role as Cabinet Member for Local Service and Community Safety.

According to Aston Respect candidate Abdul Aziz Council taxpayers in other parts of the city were denied access to this special treat – he claims it was recently distributed with bills only in Khan’s local ward.

“This is election material being put out at the Council’s expense” Aziz argues.

“Ayoub Khan is standing is Aston and it’s clearly promoting him.

“Why have they put it out now? And why only in Aston? It’s out of order”.

Councillor Ayoub Khan, however, dismissed the allegation as "absolute rubbish" and said that Aziz - a former Liberal Democrat - has "an axe to grind."

Khan added: "It wasn't just distributed in Aston but in every council tax envelope throughout Birmingham, and I know that because people in other parts of the city have told me they've seen my picture with the the leaflet.

"Dirty tricks and false allegations of all kinds are being made in Aston, and this is nothing more than political point scoring."

DID YOU GET THE LEAFLET? LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE STIRRER FORUM.