A POLITICAL storm has erupted over the relationship between the ruling Labour party and council officers.

Opposition members claim Lewisham Council has become too involved in "partisan politics" and have accused some officers of being politically motivated.

And one mayoral hopeful says the council's head officer should resign amid claims he allowed the authority to take part in "blatant electioneering" during a previous by-election.

Opposition parties are concerned at the council's role in increasing the profile of mayor Steve Bullock.

In recent weeks the council's publicity department has issued several press notices promoting the activities of the mayor.

Socialist councillor for Telegraph Hill ward Chris Flood also says area forums, which are designed to let residents speak out on issues of concern, are merely a "roadshow" for Mr Bullock.

Cllr Flood said: "The council does too much to advertise the current regime. It raises serious questions about whether it is being politically neutral."

He added there is an "unhealthy relationship"

between senior officers and the administration.

The council is also under fire for printing campaigning leaflets for Labour, during the Lee by-election four years ago.

The information was obtained by Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Chris Maines via the Freedom of Information Act.

It states the Labour group requested two items of printing in August and September 2002. The costs were later paid back.

Mr Maines said: "There needs to be a clearer separation between political activity and activity of the council.

"Councils should not be getting involved in partisan politics and blatant electioneering."

Mr Maines also says chief executive Barry Quirk should stand down, claiming his position as the officer in charge of the election has been "compromised".

Council head of law Kath Nicholson says all council officers are under a duty to remain independent of political bias.

She added: "Any suggestion the dealings between officers and members are conducted in anything other than a professional manner is without foundation."

The Labour group said the allegation against Barry Quirk has "no basis at all".