Letter: All Councillors Should Consider Their Party Allegiances

Published on: 20 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 20 Feb, 2019

From Jules Cranwell

So, eight MPs have quit the Labour Party [and now three Conservatives] to form an Independent group in Parliament.

This parallels our own situation in Guildford, where we also have a newly formed Independent group. Those who formed it made their difficult decision due to their unhappiness with their previous leaders, and their refusal to listen to residents and voters.

Now is the time for all sitting councillors to examine their consciences and decide if they can continue to support the current style of leadership. If they decide they can no longer stomach this regime, they should join the Independents or GGG.

If they remain with their parties, and do not challenge their leadership, then they will be jointly culpable for the ruin being visited on the borough by the Local Plan and failed vanity projects.

Of course, if they do stay and challenge, they will find themselves isolated, chucked off committees and ultimately chucked out, as we have seen on so many occasions.

Responses to Letter: All Councillors Should Consider Their Party Allegiances

Sue Fox Reply

February 20, 2019 at 3:13 pm

As someone who along with my husband left the party we had supported through the good times and the bad times for, together, over 60 years it’s hard, but we made friendships in all parties although none remain today.

But knowing your principles are right the time comes when you can no longer keep hitting your head against a brick wall.

I wish all who have had the courage to try to do what is right for their community/country all the best. They’re the best. Titles, benefits and power is not there forever and doesn’t really matter. They’re not traitors. For the sake of us all, I hope they don’t give up.
Matthew Smith Reply

February 20, 2019 at 3:23 pm

For someone who claims to be offering a new approach, Mr Cranwell certainly seems to have quickly adopted the worst kind of snide political discourse, clearly prompted by personal animosity towards his fellow Tories rather than any fundamental principles.

The Labour Party in Guildford is certainly not going to see any departures. We are united in our approach and focused on campaigning for more affordable housing, a rejuvenated town centre and smarter investment in our transport network.
Jules Cranwell Reply

February 20, 2019 at 5:25 pm

By what reasoning does Mr Smith assume I am any kind of Tory? I resigned from the party I had supported for 50 years, when in 2013, I first saw the draft of the Local Plan, showing as it did the Tories’ total disregard for the countryside, and residents.

Also, what is snide about drawing attention to the draconian approach of this leadership? I would have thought Labour would support this.

Animosity to this Tory leadership I admit to, but only because their self-interests are causing such harm to our borough.
Jan Messinger Reply

February 20, 2019 at 6:22 pm

I personally hope more people stand as Independents at our borough elections. I would like to see enthusiastic local people who care about Guildford borough winning seats in our May elections for the council. I’m afraid I’m left disappointed in the political parties who are there.

They represent their party more than they represent me as a resident, what I want of my borough and how I believe the money should be spent. So much money wasted and still nothing is done to make our borough the wonderful place to live it should be.

I would like new Independent councillors. I hope with what other residents have seen in the last few years they want to change too.
Colin Cross Reply

February 20, 2019 at 9:43 pm

A huge thank you to Sue Fox for her truly heartfelt and emotional message of support.

It makes a refreshing change from the sad, negative, frankly class-ridden diatribe that followed and is instantly forgettable.
Sue Fox Reply

February 21, 2019 at 10:16 am

Correction, I meant some remain today not none!

We enjoy their company very much.