‘Rude berk’ Tory ejected

A senior Conservative ejected from the hustings after heckling Labour’s candidate has been branded a “rude berk”.

Rosie Duffield was only seconds into her opening statement when Cllr Neil Baker accused her of “just reading words” from a card. And as she discussed Labour’s spending commitments, Cllr Baker yelled: “How are you going to fund it?”

His outbursts were met with cries of “let her speak” from the packed Old Sessions House auditorium. Moments later Cllr Baker, the Conservatives’ local vice-chairman, was asked to leave.

His ejection came just minutes into the showpiece preelection debate.

Tweeting from the meeting, Labour Party activist Dave Wilson said: “Rude heckling berk Neil Baker evicted from #Cccuhustings17. #idiot.” Ms Duffield said afterwards: “I feel sorry for Cllr Baker. He has embarrassed himself and people are probably going to give him a bit of gyp about it.” Cllr Baker represents the Tankerton ward at Canterbury City Council and is a prominent figure in the Conservative administration. When asked about his ejection, Cllr Baker said: “Yes, I may have misjudged the mood of the meeting and decided to get a heckle in before anyone else started. I should know better.” Defending MP Sir Julian Brazier was also repeatedly heckled by sections of the audience as he spoke.

Evicted: Cllr Neil Baker