SEVERAL senior Tories have failed to be selected for re-election to Cheshire West and Chester Council in May following boundary changes.
Former Lord Mayor Cllr Brian Bailey is ‘outraged’ at not being selected for Gowy ward after 42 years as a councillor. Still a Conservative, he has ‘not ruled out’ standing as an independent.
Two executive members, Cllr Richard Short (culture) and Cllr Arthur Harada (children’s services), were unsuccessful in Handbridge Park ward.
Former Lord Mayor Cllr Short, who may yet seek to become the candidate for Lache ward, is ‘disappointed’ but says his partner has told him to get the travel brochures out!
Cllr Harada said: “That’s the nature of politics and the greasy pole.”
The councillor and his wife intend to relocate to Dorset but he hopes to use his experience to possibly work with education secretary Michael Gove or local authorities.
Other well known names who failed to be selected include Barbara Roberts and Andrew Needham, who both stood in Tarporley, and Sheriff of Chester Cllr Pat Lott, who was seeking to represent Upton ward.
Lord Mayor Cllr Neil Ritchie (Broxton) and Cllr Andrew Storrar (Mickle Trafford) are not standing.
Former Chester City Council leader Margaret Parker may be set for a comeback after she and husband Stuart were selected for the Chester Villages ward.
Simon Harris, deputy chairman of Chester Conservative Association, said selection was down to ordinary party members, adding: “I would like to congratulate all those that have been selected. Because of the boundary changes some loyal and hard working councillors won’t be on the ballot in May and they leave behind a legacy they can be proud of.”
