6/5/2008

News

ELECTION: 'People pressure' made Roy stand - but couldn't win him the seat

HAVING ditched retirement plans to stand for re-election  claiming a wealth of public support, Hersham Village Society councillor Roy Green promptly lost his seat.

“The people of Hersham persuaded me to stay on,” said the Hersham North councillor before Thursday’s elections.

“They prefer to have someone like me to stick up for them, rather than a candidate from a political party who is told what to do.”

However, his optimism proved misguided. Mr Green, who has represented the area on and off since 1979, was beaten by more than 400 votes, polling 436 compared to Tory Doug Packer’s 847.

When asked to comment on the result by the News & Mail, he said: “I’m not talking to you. You’re a right-wing, biased newspaper. You write biased comments.”

However, he softened later, saying: “I wish the new councillor the best. I hope he will achieve what I’ve tried to achieve and put Hersham first above politics.”

Cllr Packer is a political rookie but has lived in the area since 1955. He will represent the ward alongside fellow Conservative Mary Sheldon.

He said: “I’m a bit overwhelmed. I feel the residents believe in me as the right candidate for the job, simply because I fought for the needs and wants of the people — the young, the not so young and those in between. It’s very important we get things done and I believe we will as I’m joining a very strong team. I’m a newbie and I need to get a feel for how everything works.”

First printed in: News & Mail Series

Related Articles ELECTION: Elmbridge turns blue for the first time in 17 years ELECTION: Youngest candidate wins seat for Tories ELECTION: Former Sun man says this is just the beginning ELECTION: Deputy mayor holds off his challenger ELECTION: Sacked councillor's seat turns blue ELECTION: Lib Dem ousted in night's shock result ELECTION: Elmbridge Borough Council results as they are announced

Related Galleries Elmbridge Borough Election count