Letter: National Issues Distort Local Politics

Published on: 1 Nov, 2018
Updated on: 1 Nov, 2018

Cllrs Caroline Reeves and Colin Cross

From Gordon Bridger

hon alderman and former Mayor of Guildford

In response to: Lib Dem Councillor Quits Over Wisley Bid Citing ‘Incompatible Relationship’ with Leader

I am puzzled by Cllr Cross’ resigning from the Liberal Party because of an ”incompatible relationship” with its leader. Surely the reason was over a difference of opinion on the development of the former Wisley Airfield?

The Liberals, like the Conservatives, have always had councillors and, more importantly, supporters with different views. Trying to impose a national loyalty when dealing with, usually, quite different issues leads to bad governance.

The real divisions in local politics are normally between those in favour of development and those against it, which generally emerges as differences between urban and rural interests, with income differences and age differences influencing them.

National issues distort and undermine the real problems and what we need to see is the return of more Independent councillors. They would represent first and foremost the interests of their ward and then those of Guildford.

I trust Cllr Cross will stand as an Independent – the prospects have never been better with so many people fed up with confused quarrelling national parties, many residents fed up with urban erosion of rural areas, and with ruling council which keeps expelling its own for daring to challenge Executive Committee decisions and making too many ill-considered decisions.