LIBERAL DEMOCRAT COUNCILLORS RESIGN FROM PARTY
Mole Valley Councillors were shocked to hear that Councillor Penny Hedgeland has resigned from the Liberal Democrat Group of Councillors together with her husband, Councillor Bob Hedgeland.
Councillor Penny Hedgeland caused a stir in 2006 when, shortly after being elected as Conservative councillor for Leatherhead North, she suddenly crossed over the floor of the council chamber from the Conservatives to join the Liberal Democrats. At that time, Councillor Hedgeland was reported to have become disillusioned with local Conservatives. She wrongly claimed that they did not share the same vision of the future as David Cameron.
Now Bob Hedgeland has left the Liberal Democrat Group, less than six weeks after he was elected.
Conservative Leader of the Council, Jean Pearson said:-
"This is obviously a blow for the Liberal Democrats, now that their numbers have fallen by two. We don’t know why Councillor Penny Hedgeland and her husband, Councillor Bob Hedgeland suddenly left the Liberal Democrat Group.
Whatever the reasons for their decision, I hope that they will give some kind of explanation to those who elected them, particularly as Bob Hedgeland was elected on a Liberal Democrat platform. We believe that the proper course is for Councillors Penny and Bob Hedgeland to resign and for fresh elections to be held. At the very least, they owe that to the people of Leatherhead North."
Malcolm Johnson – Communications Officer – Conservative Group of Councillors for Mole Valley
9th June 2008