A HEADTEACHER has resigned from her role representing The King in Essex after appearing in Tory campaign material despite her role being non-political.
Sue Jackson, a deputy lieutenant of Essex, appeared in an election campaign leaflet for Stephen Metcalfe, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock.
As a representative of the King both Lord-Lieutenants and their deputies are publicly apolitical.
The leaflet did not identify Ms Jackson as deputy lieutenant of Essex, but instead in her role as headteacher of Lee Chapel Primary School in Basildon.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst, said the leaflet was made “without consent” or “prior knowledge”, however Mr Metcalfe disputed that.
Ms Tolhurst said: “Last week it was learned that a political party had published an image of Ms Sue Jackson – a headteacher – in a general election leaflet. As soon as the perception of an inappropriate connection was drawn to her attention, she voluntarily offered to step back from her duties as a deputy lieutenant. Sue Jackson has been depicted without her consent, but her offer is honourable.”
Mr Metcalfe said that Ms Jackson had agreed to be in the leaflet, but that she was “not supporting him”.
He said: “The comments were obviously made with Mrs Jackson’s knowledge and in her role as a very senior and experienced head, whom I have worked with and supported over the years, not in her role as a deputy lieutenant.
“At no point does Sue endorse me or suggest people support me, she has only commented on the work we have done together.”
Leader of Basildon Council and Basildon Labour Gavin Callaghan said: “A number of people questioned us about whether it was appropriate for a deputy lieutenant to endorse a political candidate.”
Other candidates in South Basildon and East Thurrock, are: Simon Breedon, Social Democratic Party; Steven Burnett, Independent; Jack Furguson, Labour Party; Elizabeth Grant, Green Party; James McMurdock, Reform UK; Neil Speight, Independent; and Dave Thomas, Liberal Democrats.
Ms Jackson has been contacted for comment.
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