Jun 22 - Concern Over Role Of Unelected GSD Spokespersons

The Government has raised concerns regarding the decision by the Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Feetham, to appoint spokespersons for the GSD who are not elected. 

The Government said: "This suggests that he has no confidence in his Elected Members or indeed that they have no confidence in him.

"Moreover, it is clear that only members of the Opposition in Parliament can speak for the Opposition in Parliament. Therefore, without further clarity from the Party the GSD’s unelected spokespersons may be mistaken by the public to be speaking on behalf of the Opposition, when they have no mandate to do so.

"We consider it highly irregular that the GSD should appoint unelected spokespersons to specific portfolios when the Party already have amongst their ranks Opposition shadow MPs, who receive a salary paid for by the Gibraltar taxpayer, with the same portfolios.

"This move therefore undermines the Elected Members of the Opposition who have a constitutional role to play and a duty to perform."

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