A HARLOW Labour councillor has slammed the Conservative leader of Harlow Council after he described his own officer’s conduct as comparable to Russia leader, Vladimir Putin.

Councillor Lanie Shears, shadow portfolio holder for governance, was commenting on an article by Councillor Russell Perrin published on a Conservative Party website.

In the article, cllr Perrin refers to the relationship between council employees and members of the public during the Labour administration (2012 to 2021).

He said: “Harlow’s decline in several areas vexed many residents. Our town centre was run down, our roads and estates tired, our green environment dishevelled and gone to seed. I met countless civic-minded people who have experienced ‘Putinesk’ (sic)threats and levels of resistance from the Council when trying to do the right thing.

Cllr Shears has responded. She said: “Harlow has the Ukrainian flag flying from the civic building in support of that country and its people suffering at the hands of Putin. 

“Council Staff are supporting the town to collect donations for refugees of the war in Ukraine, yet in an article written by Russell Perrin for Conservative Home, Councillor Perrin likens council officers to Putin.

 “Putinesk threats” is the term he uses when describing hard working council staff.

Using such a term at any time would be offensive, even more so while Putin’s bombs are killing innocent children, women and men. Quite frankly we expect better from the leader of Harlow council.

“Running services is no easy task. It can be incredibly difficult balancing policies, and some instances law and legislation, with need. Harlow Council Officers work hard to keep the wheels of Council turning. Particularly during the recent pandemic.

“Treating people with such distain and disrespect is quite frankly shameful, and he should apologise to staff immediately for this offensive language. 

“Councillor Perrin should remember that treating people with respect and dignity in the workplace is not only important on a human level, but also a requirement of council policy!

“You would think the recent failure of the Conservative vetting process which lead to them selecting a candidate with racist views might give some pause for reflection. Having read what Councillor Perrin has written, alas, it seems not”.