Stoke Poges councillor "saddened" by deselection (From Bucks Free Press)
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Stoke Poges councillor "saddened" by deselection
11:54am Friday 30th July 2010 in
A STOKE Poges councillor faced with deselection by the Conservative Party said she believes 'most villagers' would not agree with the decision.
Kathie Webber is not among the three candidates chosen to stand in the South Bucks District Council ward of Stoke Poges next year. Cllr Naomi Arnold has also been deselected (see link below).
Cllr Webber is the vice-chairman of SBDC and has been in local politics for the last 14 years – also representing Stoke Poges and Iver at parish and county levels.
Her deselection follows her resignation as a parish councillor in May. A long-running row over Stoke Poges Football Club had split members and angered some villagers.
Cllr Webber told the Bucks Free Press: “Naturally I am saddened that the new Conservative committee should deselect two sitting councillors.
“Until the football club row and the ensuing unpleasant and stressful actions by a few local people, I believe I had served the village well - the last five years as chairman to the parish council.
“I do not believe the majority of the villagers will be happy with the decision. But that is politics and we will all have our chance to say what we want for our village at the elections in May 2011.”
She has not indicated whether she will stand as an Independent councillor, though Cllr Arnold said she 'may well do'.
Following the selection process last week Cllr Webber said she immediately suggested to Adrian Busby, the leader of SBDC, that she step down as vice-chairman.
She said she made the offer “to allow another councillor in a safer seat to be elected, thus ensuring the smooth running of the district council.”
She added: “I was more than pleased when Adrian told me that he, his cabinet, and the current chairman, Alan Walters unanimously rejected my offer. I am delighted to continue as vice chairman, supporting Alan until May next year.”
Comments(6)
Alan Fox
says...
3:17pm Fri 30 Jul 10
Andrew SP
says...
3:51pm Fri 30 Jul 10
Let’s be clear, popular councillors who are doing good things for their electors just don’t get selected. Especially not by the Conservatives.
Most people would say that Ms Webber is “difficult” - not least because she does not listen or empathise. Everyone in the village knows someone who went to the parish council seeking help or support only to be brusquely dismissed. One resident complaining about a burger van outside the pub was told “if you don’t like it move somewhere else.”
Another resident, unhappy that Persimmon had not fitted the advertised secure gates to the flats car park, was told by Cllr Arnold to “buy shares in Persimmon and complain at their shareholders meeting.”
Increased public attendance at parish council meetings over the last year has confirmed how these two district councillors are power-crazed but not motivated to do anything for the benefit of their electors.
It’s a standing joke in the village that our district councillors’ stock answer to a question about district council matters will begin “Of course I’m not on the committee responsible so I can’t do anything...” Simply not good enough. Move aside and let some fresh blood take on the job. They couldn’t be any worse.
Andrew SP
says...
7:34pm Fri 30 Jul 10
Frank gets on with representing his electors quietly whilst the other two seek any opportunity to be quoted in the local press.
DS SP
says...
8:56pm Fri 30 Jul 10
This just shows how so very out of touch she is with local feelings. Well done to the Conservatives (never thought I'd say that!) for replacing the duo. Here's hoping the new lot will better represent us at district level.
Andrea07
says...
10:25pm Fri 30 Jul 10
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