Change of leadership in Wolverhampton Conservatives?
Rumour has it that today will see a change in leadership in Wolverhampton’s Conservative group. More as I get it.
Update: so, we now know that Neville Patten has been elected leader of Wolverhampton Conservatives, following Paddy Bradley’s resignation.
There’s a lot in blogs and newspapers suggesting major divisions and rows in the Wolves Conservatives. I gave Neville Patten a call to see if there was any truth to it. Here’s what he said, subject to my ability to scribble it down:
I hope to bring members of the local party together and present a united front to fight Labour and win seats in May’s local elections. I hope to build on that as a foundation for the forthcoming general election.
Reports of division and bad feeling are nonsense. Paddy Bradley’s resignation at this time was unexpected and, following her announcement, the rest of the meeting was held in stunned silence. We knew that she was planning to stand down but expected that would happen after the May elections.
However, both at that meeting and at the meeting to elect a new leader, it was all very civilised. Reports of arguments and unpleasantness are untrue.
While there are natural disagreements - as happens in any group of people - there is no division in Wolverhampton Conservatives.
