In Gloucester, a push is underway for councillors to disclose their memberships in secret societies and private clubs. Labour councillors are set to propose a rule change at an upcoming Gloucester City Council meeting, aiming to increase transparency among elected officials.
Councillor John Jones (Labour, Kingsway), who is leading the initiative, emphasized the need for rebuilding public trust, particularly amid recent concerns over the council’s financial management. He stated, “Public trust in politicians is at an all-time low. Our motion seeks to enhance transparency by requiring all councillors to declare affiliations with membership-only organisations under the council’s code of conduct.”
Jones added that such transparency is essential because councillors are accountable to their constituents and the public deserves full openness.
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The Labour proposal is expected to gain backing from the Liberal Democrats but faces opposition from the Conservatives and Community Independents. Council leader Jeremy Hilton (Liberal Democrat, Kingsholm and Wotton) expressed support for the motion “in principle,” with a plan to propose minor amendments. Hilton said, “Councillors should disclose memberships of organisations such as the Freemasons. Openness and transparency should be a priority—that’s what the public expects.”
Conversely, Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) dismissed the proposal as “totally unnecessary” and warned that it diverts attention from essential council services. She noted, “Councillors already declare everything required by law. Labour’s motion seems like an intrusive inquiry into councillors’ private lives, social circles, and places of worship.”
Alastair Chambers, leader of the Community Independents group and a Freemason himself, criticized the move as an invasion of privacy. He pointed out, “We do not demand disclosures of every trade union or political affiliation. Private life should remain private. This creeping push toward compelled declarations and surveillance is a gross overreach of state power.”
He further highlighted historical context, recalling how Freemasonry was forced underground due to persecution and underscored his openness about his affiliations in various media appearances, asserting that disclosure should remain voluntary.
The council is scheduled to debate the proposal in a full meeting on January 29, with the future of the transparency measures hanging in the balance.