The Liberal Democrats have accused Conservative-led County Hall of “stacking the decks” after it gave a Tory party member a key role in a town despite him not representing the area.
The row follows the appointment of Conservative member Stuart Dark to the King's Lynn Town Deal Board.
Mr Dark gained the post at the expense of the five councillors whose divisions are actually in the town.
David Sayers, Liberal Democrat councillor for Gaywood North and Central, claimed the decision was unrepresentative of the town's constituents and there are fears it could "seriously undermine the credibility" of the board.
"The appointment of Stuart Dark raises critical questions about transparency and the apparent desire to stack the deck in favour of a specific political affiliation,” he said.
"[NCC] has seemingly disregarded more suitable representatives from within the town itself.
"The appointment raises legitimate suspicions about the impartiality and intentions behind the decision-making process."
Three out of the five county councillors in King's Lynn belong to the Lib Dems but none of them, nor independent Alexandra Kemp, were approached by County Hall ahead of the appointment.
Mr Dark's ward covers Dersingham and other villages up to ten miles away.
The King's Lynn Town Deal Board was set up to create a "vision and strategy" for the town after it secured a "once in a generation" opportunity to make improvements through the government's £3.6bn Towns Fund.
A number of major projects have been developed by board members, which are made up of representatives from government bodies, local businesses and organisations, and the MP for North West Norfolk, James Wild.
READ MORE: Major projects in doubt amid delays and funding issues
NCC has defended its decision, arguing Mr Dark is "uniquely placed" to take the position due to his experience as leader of West Norfolk Council previously - a time during which he steered the town through the challenges of the pandemic.
While Mr Sayers doesn't doubt his ability, he has called for a review of the appointment in order to better reflect the "concerns, interests, and aspirations of the local communities".
"The decision perpetuates a perception of favouritism and undermines the principles of equitable governance" he added.
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