sys: Bloginabox

Getting support for your blog will be important for its credibility, marketing and encouraging other civic leaders to blog in your local area.

 Talk to other elected members in your party as well as the Chief Executive.  Negotiation may become necessary, especially with communications officers.

Remember you are subject to the Standards Board Code of Conduct.  This says you must not use your councils' resources for political purposes (unless it is part of normal political function) or disclose confidential information without consent or bring your office or authority in disrepute.

Because readmyday is free and hosted outide council political entries are therefore valid.

In terms of getting a link from your council website, here are some ideas:

Point them to what is happening in Kingston. 

Note that Kingston has for a long time linked to the websites of MPs, MEPs and GLA members.

We specifically advises councils that they can link to external political websites provided they use a disclaimer.  (Most would want to remove those links during election time, because it would appear to favour some candidates over others.)

Do pass this on to your Legal and Democratic Services officers.