Manchester City Council accused of security breach

Manchester City Council is accused of covering up a 2024 security breach, in which a former Labour Councillor was reportedly able to gain access to council offices using a security pass issued in Angeliki Stogia’s name.

This is the same Angeliki Stogia, who is now the Labour Party’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

The accusations concern Luthfur Rahman, a former Labour councillor who served as Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council until May 2024. He reportedly used Angeliki Stogia’s security pass to enter the building.

Allegations abound

Of course, if true, this shows a huge lapse in security and raises questions about the lack of transparency. Why are we only just finding out about this now?

Angeliki Stogia has served on Manchester City Council for the Whalley Range ward since 2012.

Manchester City Council’s code of conduct states:

5.13.2. If you have access to Council assets, including property, buildings, vehicles, cash, and equipment, you must take responsibility for the security of such assets. You must also ensure they are managed securely and protected against accidental loss or damage and unauthorised use. Any loss or theft should be reported immediately to your line manager.

Additionally, it says:

5.5.4. When you are in the office, you must wear your Council security pass and ensure it is always visible. It is not to be shared with anyone else, and any lost or misplaced security passes should be reported to Facilities Management immediately

The code of conduct applies to “all staff employed by Manchester City Council”, regardless of rank or title. This means the same rules apply to frontline council workers as elected officials.

It goes on to say:

17 CONSEQUENCES OF BREACHING THE CODE

1.7. Failure to comply with the Employee Code of Conduct, service or professional standards may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Disciplinary Policy, and actions taken could include dismissal…

A serious breach of this code would include, theft, fraud, or misuse of Council property, which are offences classed as gross misconduct. Depending on the circumstances several steps will be taken, which are outlined in the policy, including a full investigation by an appropriate manager.

Now, the same man who allegedly used Angeliki’s pass, Luthfur Rahman, is out canvassing for her in Gorton and Denton:

Of course, if the allegations are true, the silence from Manchester City Council is unacceptable. It also raises serious questions about Angeliki Stogia’s suitability for public office, given that she has already breached security protocols at the council level. Why would we trust her in Westminster?

The Canary approached both Angeliki Stogia’s press team and Manchester City Council for comment on the allegations, but neither responded by the time of publication.

Featured image via HG