HS2 critics baffle us by increased Tory loyalty (From Bucks Free Press)

HS2 critics baffle us by increased Tory loyalty

11:09am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Your Letters

JUST three months ago, three of the signatories of last week's letter from Chiltern Tories (‘We stand with you and fight with you’) were openly speculating about resigning from the Conservatives should HS2 be confirmed.

Local press at the time included these quotes: Cllr Robert Burns-Green (Little Missenden): “It’s something that will go through the minds of most Conservatives, it’s more than just HS2, its also planning draft changes, both of which are appalling to us. “I imagine there aren’t many Conservatives who haven’t got this in their thoughts. When Conservatives came into power... we thought this would be put on the back burner and we're very disappointed it hasn’t been.”

Cllr Mimi Harker, (Mayor of Amersham and Chiltern Council Cabinet member): “If one person resigns it wouldn’t make a difference, but if a big group did that would make a statement. There has to be a meeting within the party to say how we’re going to progress from here.”

Cllr Mike Stannard (Chalfont St Giles Chiltern Council Cabinet member): “I probably would resign as a member of the Conservative party and probably stand as an independent. It would be very difficult to represent them if they are intent on continuing with this foolish policy.”

The only thing that has changed since last October is that the Chilterns has received another massive kick in the teeth from a Conservative-led coalition, a Conservative Prime Minister and a Conservative Transport Secretary. Many people will find it baffling that this has had the effect of making Chiltern Tory councillors more loyal to their party not less. My party has consistently opposed HS2 from the very start. Our door is always open to Conservatives who now can no longer stomach the position of their national party. Come and join us.

Cllr Chris Adams, UKIP Bucks County Organiser