Trouble brews over election leaflet

THE unauthorised use of the Real Ale campaign logo on an election leaflet has landed two Labour councillors in hot water.

Steven Bashforth and Phil Harrison used the CAMRA motif on the front of the April issue of the Royton South Rose which was delivered to 5,500 homes across the patch.

But it was spotted by eagle-eyed Liberal Democrat councillors who blew the whistle.

Councillor Howard Sykes, Oldham’s Liberal Democrat leader, branded it as “yet another example of Labour arrogance and mischief.”

He said the logo was “blatantly and inappropriately” used in election material in the full knowledge that permission is required from CAMRA.

“Following the blatant act of mischief-making being brought to its attention, CAMRA has made it quite clear that it is an apolitical campaign organisation, and does not take kindly to their name or logo being used for party political purposes,” said Councillor Sykes.

The Labour election leaflet highlights what the party sees as failings by Oldham’s ruling Liberal Democrat party during its term of office. The logo was used to bring attention to the funding wrangle which stopped Oldham Beer Festival taking place this year.

Councillor Bashforth accused Councillor Sykes of “petty nit-picking,” and defended his use of the logo, saying: “I used it deliberately to illustrate the loss of the beer festival to Oldham.

“I had a very nice email from CAMRA asking me not to use it again without permission, and wishing us the best of luck in the forthcoming election, although I totally accept it is an apolitical organisation.”

Emily Ryans, campaigns officer for CAMRA said: “I am happy to accept that and the matter is now closed.”

Catch up with the candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/