This month’s Parliamentary selections

2 Comments

• crewegwyn
  Posted 2nd December 2009 at 8:47 pm | Permalink

  Newcastle under Lyme ?

  Surely they have already selected Elizabeth Shenton [candidate in the Crewe & Nantwich byelection].

• Helen Duffett
  Posted 8th December 2009 at 6:31 pm | Permalink

  Elizabeth has stood down as PPC for Newcastle-under-Lyme.

  Here’s her letter, previously published in Liberal Democrat News:

  It is with much regret that I have to advise friends and colleagues that I am no longer the PPC for Newcastle-under-Lyme. I wanted to explain the reason as so many party members; workers and activists have supported me on my political journey. As many of you may know, I am a fee paid officer with the Ministry of Justice, sitting at the Employment Tribunals. There has recently been a review of judiciary terms and conditions, and a new rule states that if an office holder receives nomination, or adoption, as a prospective parliamentary candidate then they have to submit their resignation to the Lord Chancellor.

  I have long held aspirations to become an MP, however this change to my terms of appointment has required me to reflect upon my current personal financial situation. It has not been an easy personal decision to make, especially after the great reception I received from the party and public alike when I stood in the Crewe and Nantwich By-Election.

  I don’t know of others who may be affected by this ruling, either within our party or amongst the opposition, however it would be an interesting exercise to find out. I also wonder if other areas of employment are implementing similar changes?

  As for me personally, who knows what my longer-term political future may bring? Never say never…
  …In the meantime may I wish all PPC’s and MP’s success in their own campaigns.

  Elizabeth remains a councillor on Newcastle Borough Council and is now Chair of her local party. She also tells me she’ll be “working hard to support whoever is elected as our new PPC.”