Former deputy chief joins consultancy agency that’s serving to put ahead controversial improvement – in his previous ward
The former vice chairman of Manchester City Council has joined a consulting firm whose client includes a developer behind controversial student housing plans in his old community.
Nigel Murphy had represented the Hulme Ward for 15 years before being voted out by Labor ahead of this year’s postponed local elections.
He is now Associate Director of Cratus Communications, a local government agency specializing in public affairs and communications, and will lead their Manchester office.
Mr Murphy joins a long list of former and serving local and national politicians – including councilors, council presidents and MPs – in Cratus’ ranks.
Her clients include Curlew, a real estate group that is proposing to demolish the Gamecock pub in Hulme and build a 13-story student apartment block with 261 bedrooms in its place.
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Curlew is also promising a community center and gym within the proposed building for the exclusive use of existing residents.
But Mr Murphy will not be joining the program, which is heavily opposed by members of Block the Block, a campaign group made up of public housing tenants who live next to the Gamecock site.
In a statement, Murphy said, “I am very excited to join Cratus’ expanding team and lead the Manchester office.
“I was impressed with their work with the local government and their commitment to community engagement.
“I look forward to using my experience to grow the business in Manchester and the North of England.”
The appointment shocked some of Mr. Murphy’s former constituents and colleagues in downtown Hulme.
Tina Cribbin, a Block the Block member and resident of Hopton Court, claimed Mr. Murphy never met with activists to hear their views on the program.
She said, “It’s disgusting, he should hang his head in shame.
Curlew wants to demolish the Gamecock pub and build a 13-story student apartment block with 261 rooms in its place
(Photo: curlew)
“It’s part of the machine now, and it just goes to show how easily people can move from a councilor to a position like this. How are we going to fight that?”
Block the Block activists are planning a demonstration outside Cratus’ Manchester office this Thursday to highlight what they believe is a “worrying revolving door between councilors and the real estate industry”.
Hulme Labor Councilors Annette Wright and Lee-Ann Igbon, who are loudly advocating Block the Block, were also surprised by Mr. Murphy’s career move.
Coun Wright said, “I have absolutely no evidence that Nigel did anything wrong legally, but I think morally we could draw the line elsewhere.
“I know that people have a roof over their heads and have to take care of their families, and people apply for jobs for all sorts of reasons.
Alderman Annette Wright
“But the perception is that he moved from being a councilor to working for this organization far too quickly.”
Coun Igbon added, “It is not looking good from a public perspective.
“We were shocked to find out he was going to be employed by Cratus as he hadn’t mentioned it before leaving.”
Mr Murphy was voted out by Manchester Labor as a candidate in the 2020 election following a push from the party’s left, including the organizers of Momentum.
With Covid-19 delaying the election, the term of office of all council members – including Mr Murphy – was extended for an additional year.
Manchester Labor’s preferred candidate for Hulme, Ekua Bayunu, was elected on May 6th.
In response to concerns about his appointment, Cratus said they adhere to a strict code of conduct when working with and hiring elected members.
City councils are required to register their employment in an interest register and at the same time contact the planning manager when Cratus is working on a planning project within the local authority area.
They are also prohibited from participating in the decision-making process on behalf of the council or developing a system on behalf of Cratus or its client.
A company spokesperson said, “In accordance with these guidelines, Cratus Communications can confirm that Nigel Murphy is not and will not be working on any element of the previous Gamecock pub application as determined by the Manchester City Council.
“All interactions Cratus had when Nigel was an elected member was in line with Cratus Communications and Manchester City Council guidelines.
“We are registered members of the Public Relations and Communications Association, which gives public relations professionals like us the highest standards in dealing with politicians.”
