INTO the second week of the new column, and The Knutsfordian is already considering applying for a new part-time job.

A job paying a basic ‘wage’ of just over £11,100 a year (more if one takes on ‘special responsibilities’), general expenses, subsistence and travel.

Employment is even guaranteed for four years, no matter how badly you perform, how much you ignore your customers – and it doesn’t really matter how often you turn up for work because nobody can tell you off*. This is a job for The Knutsfordian!

Unfortunately vacancies won’t open for applicants until May 2015.

The Knutsfordian is talking about being a councillor on Cheshire East Council.

A basic allowance of £11,119.96 a year. If on the minimum wage, one would have to work roughly a 34- hour week to earn that in a year (2012/2013 figures).

How is this bizarre and curiously precise figure generated? What is the significance of the 96p?

In Knutsford we have Clr Stewart Gardiner claiming a total of £15,675.96, Clr Olivia Hunter £14,842.33 and Clr Peter Raynes £24,022.30. High Legh’s Clr Steve Wilkinson claimed £15,909.63, and Mobberley’s Clr Jamie Macrae an eye-watering £28,844.57.

Are they worth it? Do they actually represent us, or do they simply follow their party line and play nodding dogs to their masters’ bidding?

The next opportunity Knutsfordians, Mobberleyonians and High Leghians will have to hold them to account is May 2015.

Knutsfordian Tories have already chosen their candidates for 2015. Clr Raynes is retiring (Knutsford town councillor Peter Coan was selected in his place) and Clr Gardiner was re-selected.

But they say farewell to Clr Hunter who lost her place to Hayley Wells-Bradshaw, only known locally for her job as George Osborne’s agent. What does this say about us Knutsfordians? Are we bovvered?

Will we stand against these high allowances or will we let them sit on and claim again and again?

*The Knutsfordian has been reminded that certain political parties which make up Cheshire East deploy whips to ensure unruly members vote in an acceptable, prescribed manner.

The Knutsfordian has now been warned by the editor to go no further with this comment.

  • PS – The Knutsfordian welcomes the news that the Promote Knutsford Forum has been revived but notes The Knutsfordian was not invited to be part of its own exhibition.
  • PPS – False Widow Spiders? Knutsford or Notsford?