Tory county councillor ousted for following party policy

8.56.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st May 2009

"I feel bitter and betrayed" says Tory ousted for following party policy

It has now been confirmed in 'Staines News' that county councillor Laurie Burrell, who has represented Laleham and Shepperton at county hall for the last eight years, has not been reselected. Although no official reason has been given, rumours have been circulating for several weeks that he was being ousted for voting against the proposed third runway at Heathrow in a county council debate.

Laurie Burrell, who has also been a borough councillor in Spelthorne for 22 years, disagreed with the decision by the local leadership of Spelthorne Conservatives to drop their opposition to the expansion of Heathrow. He is quoted as saying "I cannot stand by and see the Sipson community destroyed". Ironically the conservatives nationally did eventually decide to oppose Heathrow expansion, so it is the local party, not Cllr Burrell who is out of step, but that hasn't stopped them from de-selecting him.

According to Staines News, Laurie Burrell says he feels "bitter and betrayed" - and will stand for re-election in opposition to the new conservative candidate, not for any party, just as Laurie Burrell. He told Staines News: "I have worked very hard for the conservatives for 22 years, only to be now told I don't make the grade. It was only recently at the AGM the party was thanking me for my hard work. I feel betrayed but I have no intention of retiring."

Related Links:

Staines News 23 April 2009.

Staines News 7 February 2008.