Tory frozen out by party in split over Westgate traffic

lfruen@thekmgroup.co.uk has withdrawn the whip – the reason given being that I have clearly supported Kent County Council policies on some relevant issues.”

Transport bosses at county hall announced last month that when the oneyear-trial ends, in March, the road system will revert to the original and traffic will once again pass through the historic gateway to the city.

The scheme has been almost universally derided as causing delays and increasing car fumes.

But the KCC decision sparked outrage on the city council, which had fought to keep the trial.

Cllr Gilbey’s fury was compounded by the fact some of his own councillors had voted against the scheme.

Cllr Hirst said: “The decision to stop

‘I was alarmed by facets of the Westgate Towers scheme and support the decision to revert to the original layout’

the trial was made by the leader of Kent County Council.

“Highways is a KCC responsibility. As a back-bench member I felt that this was correct for Canterbury residents, traders and importantly professional offices.

“I supported the trial in the first instance but became alarmed by many facets of it in operation and support Mr Carter’s decision to revert to the original layout.”

Cllr Hirst is also hinting that he may make his own leadership challenge in the future, adding: “Some time ago I indicated to members of the Canterbury City Conservative group and the Conservative Association that I would stand, in the May elections of a City Council leader, as a candidate.”

The Greenhill and Eddington ward member will also be a Conservative candidate in the next Kent County Council elections.

Cllr Gilbey failed to respond to numerous requests for a comment.

John Gilbey could face a leadership challenge from Cllr Hirst

David Hirst has had the Conservative whip removed on the city council