CHESTER Conservative Association chairman Brian Crowe has defended a disgraced ex-Tory member and is refusing to call for his resignation as a councillor.
Cllr Crowe described Cllr Max Drury as “the best I know” as a ward councillor, while admitting the member for Curzon and Westminster had “failings” following his conviction for the harassment of a former business partner.
Chester magistrates heard Cllr Drury fell out with James Meadows of Longfield Avenue, Upton, after Mr Meadows admitted taking money from the business saying it was an advance on his dividend but which the councillor regarded as embezzlement.
Cllr Drury was criticised by District Judge Nicholas Sanders for relying on his status as a councillor when caught making threats against Mr Meadows and his wife Joanne through email, telephone calls and calling at their home.
Cllr Drury later resigned as a Conservative but said he would continue to “serve the people” as an independent and will take up his position as a councillor on the new Cheshire West and Chester Council from next April, to which he was elected in May.
Full story in the Main edition of Friday’s Chronicle.
