‘Disappointed’ after being suspended from Tories’ group for more than year

A WARSLOW man has spoken of his disappointment after being suspended from a political party for 16 months.

Darren Barlow was suspended from Staffordshire Moorlands Conservative Association in January last year over claims he was “unsupportive” of Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley at the last election.

He received a letter of temporary suspension, pending formal expulsion proceedings, but a decision on his future in the association has yet to be decided, despite the allegations being made 16 months ago.

The claims against Mr Barlow followed a meet and greet with

Mrs Bradley at a pub in Warslow, Staffordshire in November 2019.

Following the long wait Mr Barlow instructed his solicitor to sent a letter to the Staffordshire Moorlands Conservative chairman and to the party office in Leek.

The letter has also been sent to the chairman of the Staffordshire area.

Speaking this week, Mr Barlow said: “I refute all the allegations against me. I have several witnesses who will verify this. It is now 16 months and as far I am concerned I am still suspended as I have heard nothing.

“My solicitor has also not received a reply.

“There has now been enough time to clear up this issue which has disappointed me. Despite being suspended, the association has still taken my yearly subscription from me.”

Asked why the issue had not been resolved, the chairman of the Staffordshire Moorlands Conservative Association, James Aberley, said: “This is now out of our hands.

“It is with the Staffordshire area chairman, Charles Boote.”

The Post and Times contacted Mr Boote earlier this month who said that Mr Barlow was not suspended and that he was dealing with the issue.

He said: “Time has now lapsed and Mr Barlow is still a member. I am looking into it and will now get back to his solicitor to close it down.

“Mr Barlow was suspended by Staffordshire Moorlands Conservative Association as he disagreed with policies. He is still however, a member.”