MORE revelations about the cost of employing temporary staff at Wirral Council have emerged with a new post of "executive policy officer" - on a salary of £45,737 - being created.

The post is designed to help develop strategy with the town hall leader Cllr Phil Davies.

Tory group chief Cllr Jeff Green branded the appointment of Martin Liptrot on September 14 "frankly outrageous."

But a council spokesman said “It is not at all unusual for a council leader to have dedicated support in relation to policy development - and is in fact not uncommon practice in local authorities around the UK."

Last week the Globe disclosed that in the last six months the council has spent around £2.5m on freelance and temporary staff - and £16,000 per week on consultants.

The revelations came at a time when many workers are having their pay cut by up to 10% as part of cost-reduction measures.

Councillor Green said he finds this latest appointment "incredible."

He said: “This is frankly outrageous.

"Councillor Davies already has the whole council at his disposal which we should remember is more than 3,000 employees.

"As well as the additional 'super directors' we also have four consultants being paid more than £500 a day.

"And let's not forget Cllr Davies made himself a 'full time leader' when he took on the job.

"Just how many chiefs does Labour need?"

He continued: There was no consideration given to a secondment role.

"Instead Cllr Davies ordered the creation of this role.

“I find it incredible that when Cllr Davies is continually berating the Government for lack of funding he can find £45,000 for a political ally - on top of the £17,000 per week we now know the council is currently spending on consultants.

"And when you study the job description you get the impression this person effectively is the de facto leader of the council.

"I have to wonder whether this is an admission from Cllr Davies that he simply isn’t up to the job.”

The Globe tried to contact Cllr Davies for a comment this evening but we have not been successful.

A council spokesman said: “It is not at all unusual for a council leader to have dedicated support in relation to policy development and is in fact not uncommon practice in local authorities around the UK.

“The leader of Wirral Council has significant additional responsibilities in his role as chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and chair of the emerging Wirral Partnership.

"Both of these areas will bring potentially huge benefits to residents, businesses and communities throughout Wirral and, as such, it is entirely appropriate that this additional resource and support is provided."

The representative added: “This is a new, temporary appointment to provide additional policy resource which will be kept under review.

"It is funded through existing resources with the post reporting directly to the senior management within the council as part of the existing close working arrangements with the leader.

"The council followed appropriate processes for creating and filling this type of post.

"The post was advertised through the established Merseyside agency network and a number of candidates were put forward.

"Following a shortlisting and interview process, the most appropriate person for the job was appointed.”