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.”