An attempt by Labour to censor this news blog has failed.
Labour tried to get a video of them losing an election removed from Gateshead News. It was shot by Councillor Jonathan Wallace at the declaration of the recent election result in the Dunston Hill and Whickham East ward.
Councillor Wallace asked for, and was given permission, to shoot the video by a senior officer of Gateshead Council.
But Labour have now twice asked Council officers to ask Councillor Wallace to remove the video.
“I was rather surprised by the requests,” said Councillor Wallace. “All it shows is the declaration of the result. This is the part of a count you would see on an election programme. Many councils actually video the declarations and put them on their own websites. Why Labour took exception to it is odd.
“I can only think it has something to do with the fact that Labour had high hopes of winning back the ward. They threw everything and the kitchen sink into winning.
“The end result was an increased Liberal Democrat majority for my colleague Councillor Yvonne McNicol. Maybe Labour just don’t like to be seen to be defeated.
“I think it is useful for residents to be able to see the democratic process in operation. Many have viewed the video, especially after we sent them the link on our last email newsletter.
“The video will remain on the blog for the next few weeks until it is replaced by new videos we will be shooting over the late spring.
“And my advice to Labour is that they should stop trying to manage the news and let people see and read what they want to.”
The video can also be viewed on YouTube on this link.
1 comment:
perhaps Labour's problem at Gateshead declarations is that they are not used to having press/cameras at their counts ? If the Lib Dems were to make significant steps towards taking control, the Labour members would soon get used to the cameras. JOANNE HODDER / BLAYDON
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