Council updates 'grey suit' look

A council is hoping to revamp the image of its councillors as "old men in grey suits" by using professional photographs on its publicity materials.

Eight cabinet members of Cheltenham Borough Council have already had their photographs taken, and 32 other councillors have been asked to follow.

With each photograph costing £30, it could cost up to £1,200 to take shots of every councillor.

A spokeswoman said the photos would be more reflective of their personalities.

These are posed pictures, glamour shots, like you would send to relative to put on their mantelpiece at Christmas. Councillor Chris Ryder

"We appreciate that a photograph is not going to change people's perceptions about the council and councillors overnight or indeed have everyone rushing to the ballot box, but it is part of an on-going programme to encourage democratic participation," she said.

The photographs will appear in the council guide, on the website and in future communications materials.

Funding for the new photographs will come from the existing budget.

Conservative councillor Chris Ryder has refused to take part, saying: "These are posed pictures, glamour shots, like you would send to relatives to put on their mantelpiece at Christmas.

"This has come at the wrong time when residents are being refused new bins because there aren't sufficient refuse collection resources."