A BISHOP has criticised the Prime Minister for claiming Durham County Council paid a clothing allowance so staff could buy the latest from “Geordie Armani”.

The Labour-led council has faced repeated criticism over an annual allowance totalling up to £12,860 paid to its chairman and vice-chairman which critics have labelled a clothing allowance.

Council chiefs insist it is a civic allowance to cover all expenses associated with the roles.

David Cameron weighed into the argument when he launched the Conservative Party’s local elections campaign last month.

Now the Right Reverend Mark Bryant, the Bishop of Jarrow, has used a Durham Cathedral sermon to hit back at the Prime Minister.

Speaking on Sunday (May 19), Bishop Bryant pleaded for society and its leaders to use language that builds up, rather than divides.

“There does seem to be a growing tendency in our society for people, not least our leaders, to use language which seems to set one community or one group of people against another,” he told the cathedral congregation.

“Our leaders must of course, at all times, have the right to challenge one another and to challenge us.

“It is entirely right that those who spend money in national and local government should be challenged for the way they spend it.

“But we may perhaps ask whether quips about Geordie Armani is a use of language which divides us rather than builds us up.”

The council is currently reviewing its civic expenses.