From the Blackpool Citizen
Leading Blackpool politicians have criticised the appointment of ex-Blackpool Council leader Roy Fisher to a top health position.
News that Mr Fisher (pictured) had been given the £33,000 role as chairman of Blackpool Primary Care Trust (PCT), came the day after he was defeated in the Park Ward by- election.
The controlling Conservative group has branded the appointment as ‘politically motivated’ and that an active local politician was unsuitable for the role.
Council leader Peter Callow, said: “The Conservative group were very surprised to hear that an active politician who only last week stood for the council has been given this important role at the trust.
"We've got some very high profile projects involving the PCT and the council ongoing, such as the new complex at Moor Park.
“Mr Fisher will now be involved in confidential talks with the council and he can just report straight back to his Labour colleagues.
“I just don’t think the role is suitable for someone active in local politics.”
Mr Fisher, said politics had nothing to do with his appointment.
He said: “I understand the issues in Blackpool with regard to the health inequalities and would like to see this town moving forward to improve these.
“I hope the people of Blackpool will recognise this from my previous role at the council.
“It's really important the council and the PCT share boundaries so that both agencies can work together.”
PCT bosses said Mr Fisher's appointment was made by the national NHS Appointments Commission and he was eminently qualified.
The trust’s chief executive, Wendy Swift, said: "Roy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about Blackpool to the post and joins us in exciting times as we continue with our plans for three new primary care centres.”
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