St Albans Tories - turmoil mounts (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans Tories - turmoil mounts

12:56pm Monday 3rd August 2009 in News By Alex Lewis

THE storm engulfing St Albans Conservative Party is escalating, with a meeting of doubtful validity calling for the deputy chairman's immediate resignation.

According to a new statement purporting to be from “St Albans Conservatives” but not directly attributed: “On Thursday July 30, an executive council meeting took place.

"Eight apologies were received and 33 members were present.

“The meeting unanimously expressed their lack of confidence in Matt Peck, deputy chairman (political), and called for his immediate resignation from his post.

“The meeting unanimously re-affirmed its support for Anne Main as MP for St Albans, and as its candidate at the next General Election.

“It was noted at the meeting that no polling has either been commissioned or paid for by the St Albans Conservative Association.”

Pat Rosalki, the chairman of;the Conservative Women's Club, who according to chairman Seema Kennedy agreed on July 6 to ask for Mrs Main's resignation, is quoted as saying: "Anne is an excellent MP, she has our full support, and we have had numerous messages of support for Anne from constituency members."

The Review has been told by an executive member who does not want to be named that a senior regional party official had previously emailed all members to inform them that the proposed meeting and any decisions it might take would be invalid.

The Review has requested comment from the Conservative Party's national headquarters.