Labour’s wasteful propaganda push slammed by Lib Dems across Nottinghamshir

Local Liberal Democrats have hit out at Labour-run Nottingham City Council’s decision to send its “Arrow” newsletter to residents of neighbouring boroughs. Condemning it as both wasteful and a propaganda campaign outside its own boundaries, the Lib Dems have put in a Freedom of Information request to see how much it has cost tax payers.

The Arrow made a return in July 2026 after a three year absence. Opposition parties has long criticised it as wasteful and when Nottingham City Council was under the watchful eye of the Government Commissioners, no issues were produced. 

Cllr David Watts, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Broxtowe Borough Council said: “Imagine my surprise when a City Council propaganda brochure comes through my door.  Broxtowe Borough Council and the County Council currently provide services to local residents where I live, and we should be the ones engaging with residents. Many people are unhappy with Labour’s proposals for local government. They aren’t exactly winning friends by behaving as if they are already our lords and masters. Who runs the new councils will be down to local people, not the Labour Party.”

Lloydie James Lloyd, Campaigns Officer for Nottingham Lib Dems said: “This is classic Labour. The commissioners have barely left the building and the council are back to their wasteful ways. The Arrow does little good for the city and the money used on its production and distribution could be used on any number of grassroots projects, or to help local businesses. But to distribute it to areas in Greater Nottingham that aren’t currently part of the council’s jurisdiction is an utter disgrace. They are behaving as if they are in control of the proposed Greater Nottingham Council. Such entitled behaviour needs calling out”

The Liberal Democrats are calling for: 

The amount of money spent on design, print and distribution to be declared

A promise of no more City Council propaganda to neighbouring boroughs

An apology for this serious error in judgement