Council leader survives Tory no confidence vote

The council leader has survived a vote of no confidence held by his own party.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) leader Gerry Clarkson came under pressure from fellow Conservatives at a behind-closeddoors party meeting.

Cllr Clarkson, who represents the Charing ward, has refused to comment further on the vote, which came just months before the local elections in May.

It is not known how many Tory members supported the motion.

The private meeting was held days before ABC’s cabinet met on Thursday, February 14.

Saxon Shore Cllr Jane Martin (Con) says the party should stay “loyal” to those elected.

She said: “We select a leader at a certain time in the council and it is important that we stay loyal to that person, unless of course they decide they want to go or there is a real reason for it which, in this instance, there isn’t.

“We should be loyal to the person until such time when we have an election.”

Cllr Clarkson became ABC leader in April 2013 following the sudden death of former leader Cllr Peter Wood.

The Ashford Conservative Association was contacted for comment but did not respond.

The ABC press office was contacted by the Kentish Express but did not comment as it is a political matter.

A spokesman said it is “business as usual in terms of council business”.

What do you think about the no confidence vote? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Ashford Borough Council leader came under pressure at a private Conservative meeting