Tory trio quit Hyndburn executive committee in election row (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Tory trio quit Hyndburn executive committee in election row

9:00am Thursday 4th March 2010 in

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THREE councillors have resigned from their positions on a local Conservative party executive committee in a row over the candidates for the upcoming election.

The trio, who held the roles of executive officers on the Hyndburn Conservative Association, said the move was because they were unhappy that there were not more local candidates on the list.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who stood against his Labour opponent Greg Pope in 2005, was expected to make the shortlist but was snubbed by Tory central office.

A final decision on the candidacy will be made in a special meeting in Hyndburn on March 13.

Chairman Brian Roberts and his two deputies Marlene Haworth and Peter Clarke have both stepped down in the row.

In a joint statement the trio said the list of candidates from central office "did not have enough local content".

A Labour candidate for the area was chosen months ago after Mr Pope decided to step down from his role at the next election, which is expected to be in May. Coun Graham Jones will represent the Labour party.

The statement read: "We felt uncomfortable about the way it has been handled by our central office.

"But we are loyal members of the party and we are not going to complain about it. But we do not wish to play any part in the upcoming campaign at an executive level."

Coun Britcliffe, who is also a county councillor, said: "While I have been asked by many people to stand as MP the national party requires names to be on the approved list in order to be put forward for selection.

"While I always believe that it is more democratic to allow local party members to have a free hand in the selection of candidates this is not something that I intend to spend time complaining about.

"What is important now is that party members should look at the six candidates on offer and choose the very best person to represent Hyndburn."

All local members will have the chance to vote on their proposed candidate at the meeting.

Those shortlisted by the Conservatives are: Hyndburn borough councillor Janet Storey, Fylde councillor Karen Buckley, South Ribble Conservative councillor Mary Robinson, former Hackney candidate John Moss, John Barker and Paul Carter.

All six will be interviewed and questioned at a meeting by party members in three weeks before the votes are cast.

Clayton-le-Moors councillor Janet Storey said: "I am really passionate about serving the area, but whoever is chosen will have my full support and the support of the party."