Tory candidate row boils over

The Conservative campaign in the Hythe South by-election has been rocked by the news that their own former Councillor is to stand against their official candidate. Party bosses overruled local Conservatives over their choice of former Councillor Martin Ross in favour of another candidate who doesn't even live in the ward.

Many Conservative supporters were already reeling from last month's decision by the Tory Council to bring back the people who closed Shepway's toilets back into the ruling cabinet.

Lib Dem Neil Matthews said, "It really is a shambles. The Conservatives seem more interested in fighting each other rather than fighting for Hythe."

"I urge residents to back Darren Briddock in this election. He is a man who will really put local people above politics."