SPECULATION is rife that three veteran members of the Conservative Party are about to be expelled from the Basildon South and East Thurrock Conservative Association (BSET).
YourThurrock understands that Mayor Anne Cheale, former Mayor Ian Harrison and his wife, former Lady Mayoress Daphne Hart have all been served with expulsion notices by new Chairman, Orsett councillor Mike Revell.
The motion is set to be discussed at a special meeting in the Pitsea Headquarters.
What has raised concerns in some quarters is that Mrs Hart, a member of the Conservative Party since 1952, who received a special award from the Prime Minister David Cameron last year, may not be able to attend as she is reported to be very unwell.
The expulsion may bring to an end an internal conflict between certain factions in the group that has lasted over thirty years.
In March, cllr Anne Cheale’s motion of no confidence in the Conservative Leader, Garry Hague saw a chain of events that saw her suspended from the group but also saw the Tories lose their slender grip on power.
During the council meeting in question, fellow Corringham and Fobbing councillor Harrison incensed many Tories by leaving the chamber at a vital time.
Subsequently Cllr Cheale was joined by fellow disaffected Tory, cllr Stuart St-Clair-Haslam and formed the “Concerned Conservatives.”
Should cllr Harrison be expelled, many expect him to join the group, making life very difficult for the Tories in the chamber.
Councillor Revell has not responded to YourThurrock’s request for an interview.
Update:
Councillor Revell spoke to YourThurrock a few hours after the above story was published. Cllr Revell informed us that no such decision was to be made at friday’s meeting
He said: “Our meeting tonight will be to discuss the reorganisation of the wards and constituency. Nothing else.”
If Im doing my math right there should be 25 Conservative councillors and they should be running Thurrock Council but in the last 18 months Terry Hipsey joins Labour. Anne Cheale and Stuart St Clair-Haslam become the Concerned Conservatives. Taking the numbers down to 22.
Neil Rockliffe is suspended from the Conservative Group taking the numbers down to 21.
If Ian Harrison is kicked out of the Conservatives that will take the numbers down to 20.
The we have that secret filming of John Cowell. Is he going to be suspended as well taking the numbers down to 19?
How do you cause a split amongst Thurrock Conservatives?
Just put two of them in the same room together.