Statement on New Romney Coast Councillor Sue Ashworth

An article appeared in yesterday's Romney Marsh Herald stating that Councillor Sue Ashworth was planning to join the Conservatives from the Liberal Democrats early in July. As we had heard nothing directly from Councillor Ashworth on this, Group Leader Lynne Beaumont contacted her directly. Although assuring us that she was not responsible for the story in any way, during the conversation, Cllr Ashworth confirmed that she did indeed intend to join the Conservative Group on Shepway District Council.

We would fully understand if, like us, the voters of New Romney Coast felt angry, betrayed and hurt at Councillor Ashworth's decision.

Shepway Liberal Democrats have a long and sustained record of campaigning on what many regard as the main issue in New Romney Coast - opposition to the expansion of Lydd Airport. Building on that track record Sue Ashworth stood just 7 weeks ago as a Liberal Democrat candidate for New Romney Coast ward. She won the election, with Cllr Val Loseby, on a Liberal Democrat platform with the airport as the main issue of her campaign. A number of local Conservative politicians seem to be more sympathetic to the airport's runway expansion plans.

In joining the Liberal Democrats and applying to become a candidate for the Party in New Romney Coast, she stressed that she supported the Lib Dems views on Lydd Airport expansion, and in fact believed in and stood for many of our values, and that she wanted to help with the campaign. Although previously a Conservative member, she claimed to have "strongly changed her views". It would seem, just a few weeks later, that she has changed those views again.

We believe that the voters of New Romney Coast cast their votes after careful and due consideration. The result showed that they wanted to be represented by the Lib Dems and not the Conservatives. We hope that Cllr Ashworth will in time reflect on this and understand that a great many people who voted for her in good faith as a Liberal Democrat will feel let down and disappointed - as will those who helped in her campaign.

Whilst we are disappointed and confused by Cllr Ashworth's decision, we wish her well in the future. The residents of New Romney Coast can be assured that Councillor Val Loseby remains a strong Liberal Democrat Councillor for New Romney Coast, and will continue to stand up for the area and fight for them.