Lib Dems rubbish website’s advice to anti-Conservatives

The Liberal Democrats have rubbished claims that the only way for ‘progressive’ voters to cause an upset in the Ashford constituency is to vote Labour at the June 8 general election.

The website www.stopthetori. es is calling on Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat voters to support the party most likely to defeat the Conservatives in each constituency, to build opposition to a “hard Brexit” deal.

In Ashford, the site claims non-Conservative voters should support Labour candidate Sally Gathern if they want to oust Damian Green from one of the safest Tory seats in the country.

Labour finished in third place behind Ukip at the last general election, which is believed to be the main reason why the website has backed the party.

But Liberal Democrat candidate Adrian Gee-Turner said voters should not be taken in by the assertion, as his party was second in 2010 and had positive results in the county council elections earlier this month.

He said: “I would say other- wise. In Ashford, Labour politicians have been predominantly in favour of leaving the European Union.

“I know that Brendan Chilton is not running this time but he is one of the main spokesmen for Labour in Ashford and the party seems very split on the issue.”

Cllr Chilton – who campaigned for Britian to leave the EU in last year’s referendum – said the party will take its campaign beyond the main areas of Labour support in a bid to boost its vote and to try to win two borough council by-elections being held in Bockhanger and in the town centre Victoria ward on Thursday, June 8.

Meanwhile Green Party candidate Mandy Rossi has ruled out talk of a ‘progressive’ alliance and will be out campaigning.

And Ukip candidate Gerald O’Brien says supporting his party, which finished second in 2015, would strengthen Theresa May’s hand when it comes to Brexit negotiations.

The Conservative Party campaign has also started in earnest, with Damian Green joining party activists in Pluckley and outside the Ashford International Station last week.

Registration to vote in the general election and borough council by-elections closes on Monday, May 22.

To find out more visit www. yourvotematters.co.uk

A website called www.stopthetori.es gives tactical voting advice for those opposed to the Conservatives. In Ashford it recommends a Labour vote, but Lib Dems are not happy

Sally Gathern (Lab)

Adrian Gee-Turner (Lib Dem)

Damian Green (Con)

Gerald O’Brien (Ukip)

Mandy Rossi (Green)