'She's not Nigel Farage!' Wolverhampton councillor accused of putting reality TV show before constituents
Councillor Celia Hibbert has been criticised for spending four weeks filming the Channel 4 reality show Apocalypse
A Wolverhampton councillor who is starring in a reality television series filmed in the US has been accused of neglecting her responsibilities by ‘disappearing’ for four weeks during the making of the programme.
Councillor Celia Hibbert last night (Sunday, September 13) made her first appearance on Channel 4’s new reality series Apocalypse, in which two teams of seven people are challenged to survive in a deserted ‘ghost town’ with no food, electricity or running water.
But Councillor Simon Bennett questioned whether spending 28 days in America was a good way of serving the needs of people in Penn, although he admitted he was looking forward to watching her in the show.
He said it was not the first time Councillor Hibbert, who is leader of Wolverhampton’s opposition Reform group, had spent an extended period of time out of the country.
“Celia Hibbert needs to remember that she’s a local councillor, she’s not Nigel Farage or Matt Hancock.,“ said Councillor Simon Bennett, who is leader of the Conservative group on the council.
“Residents elect councillors to represent them, respond to their concerns and be present in the communities they serve. They don't elect us so we can disappear for four weeks to pursue opportunities on reality television.
“Everyone is entitled to a life outside politics, and councillors obviously have jobs, families and other commitments.
“But voluntarily taking yourself away from the residents you represent for 28 days to film a television programme is something quite different.
“At some point Penn residents are entitled to ask a very straightforward question: where is my councillor?
“Celia is perfectly entitled to pursue a television career if that's what she wants to do. But being an elected councillor comes with responsibilities, and the residents who put you there should come first.
“Penn residents deserve councillors who are accessible, visible and available when they need them.“
Councillor Hibbert was contacted for comment.
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