Labour extravagance extends to spending taxpayers' money on fashion photographer

7.30.00pm GMT Thu 29th Oct 2009

Enquiries by Tower Hamlets Liberal Democrats have revealed that the Labour party has spent over £20,000 on photographs by celebrity fashion and lingerie photographer, Rankin. Rankin is known for his work with celebrities such as Kate Moss and the Rolling Stones and for work on fashion magazines such as Vogue.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Councillor Stephanie Eaton who uncovered the cost of the photographs said "This is a vanity project which demonstrates how the Labour leadership's arrogance is completely out of control. The Labour Councillors have set up a huge media department in the Council that could have taken photographs of the "local heroes" at no extra cost. While it's a great to highlight the contribution of local residents it is not necessary spend this type of cash on a celebrity photographer. Tower Hamlets has fantastic local photographers and many art and design students who would have loved the chance to have their work on the sides of London buses. It's a missed opportunity to support local artists."

Liberal Democrat campaigner Phil Baker said "I am appalled at this waste of money. Residents know that the Labour party do not have their best interests at heart but this is further proof. Like most of the Council's propaganda, it costs a fortune and the money should be put to better use. I hope we won't have pictures of the Labour Councillors on the side of buses. It would take more than a posh photographer to make Labour look good."

As part of its "Tower Hamlets Together" campaign the photographer Rankin was engaged for two days of shooting and design studio time for photographic retouching. The costs included Rankin's photography fee, lighting and support crew, studio fees, stylist and make up, accessories, travel, refreshments and expenses.

Overall, the cost of the media campaign which features local heroes, Frank Whipple, Crissy Townsend, Shazid Miah and the young Mayor Uma Akther is £140,000.

The total cost of the Rankin photography used in the is £17,895.00 + vat.

Details about the photographer Rankin can be found at his website:

http://www.rankin.co.uk/