The period running up to elections is never a good one for local government PR officers.
As an officer of the council, I am politically neutral, and have to treat members of every political party equally.
Unfortunately, the ruling group think I work solely for them and have a key role to play in keeping them in power.
The leader always want lots of photocalls and interview opportunities at this time of the year.
It's a cliche, but they just loved being photographed grinning inanely in a stupid pose.
There ain't nothing most of them would do for a picture.
And you'd think she was personally responsible for all of the good work of the organisation when she turns up at an event behaving like the Queen.
There was a particularly cringeworthy moment recently when she arrived at a new building and started proudly reeling off the 'achievements' of her party to a baffled journalist.
"Just another day in the life of the leader!" she said brightly, as she waltzed off for a guided tour from an arse-kissing official.
"What's she on?", he muttered to me, when she was out of earshot.
"Election time" I replied, grimly.
He groaned.
"Oh no, she'll never be off the phone."
I nodded sympathetically.
Politicians in our town don't do modesty.