Scandal could rock Strood North Tories

(MedwayMessenger)

Looks like Strood North is back in the public spotlight today as the marginal ward is mired in what could be a major and explosive scandal just at the time of a local election in May.

This blog has commented before on the antics of selection in the Strood North ward which saw a game of musical chairs occur less then two months ago. Rumours sprung that the retiring Councillor was offered a seat in Gillingham & Rainham by the Conservative leadership, in an attempt to retain Strood North against a clear Labour resurgence in the ward. We will soon find out.

Jane Chitty returned after a previous allegation was dropped that she had made some errors on her address in the 2007 election (see above). So it was with a furrowed brow that this blog noted that another case had been brought against Councillor Jane Chitty.

The accusation, and it is only an accusation, is that Jane Chitty acted inappropriately on a Council sponsered event to China where a 16 year old was present.

Despite the spin from known quarters about why details have not been revealed. Parties will know that the press, this blog, no one will be able to discuss any case that is brought before the Standard's Committee, especually at this stage where it is only an accusation. As such this blog is not in a position to comment on the antics of the Councillor but sufficed to say there is sufficient merit to justify a thorough investigation.

Former Conservative Councillors and right wing commentators today have taken it upon themselves to talk about 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and have target the individual who has brought the complaint.

It is outrageous to read some of the comments from the right tonight that without any result of the Standard's Board they are stating that

"this is just a politically-motivated smear campaign against a high-profile Conservative councillor (and prospective candidate to re-stand) who happened to be with the complainant recently, offering scope for mischief."

So lets for the sake of it look at the individual who has led the complaint, one Lloyd Davis - a local businessman who employs local people and who is stalwart of the community, and type of figure Medway Council and the Tory administration should be supporting and encouraging locally.

Lloyd Davis is indeed a small businessman, and one that has had to manage a very successful business despite his opposition to the £2.5m Chatham two-way system which has, as this individual predicted, seen a decline in trade in the town. For the sake of accuracy, he was totally right, the town has suffered because of this road-system fiasco.

But anyway, readers may be interested to know in 2008 that Lloyd won the Kent Special Constable of the Year trophy for his work both in his own community and his assistance to those in need abroad.

He was recognised for his continued work within the Chinese community and particularly for the work he undertook following the earthquake in China in 2008. Lloyd was able to obtain 50,000 mosquito nets and after many days of hard work and endless phone calls, he was able to ship the nets to China.

Lloyd was also awarded for his assistance with a fatal incident. Whilst off duty, he was talking with fellow officers outside his home when a call came in about a serious accident nearby. He offered to assist his colleagues and went to the scene of the incident where a young child had been badly injured and was in a critical condition.

The volunteer officer remained with the boy and his mother until they were conveyed to hospital. Unfortunately the child did not recover from his injuries. Lloyd’s calmness, reassurance and professional manner whilst at the scene was a credit not only to the Special Constabulary but to Kent Police as a whole.

Area Commander Steve Corbishley said:

"Medway are very proud of the achievements of Lloyd and all his special constable colleagues over the past year. Specials are a vital part of the Medway police team and their role in reducing crime and tackling anti social behaviour cannot be underestimated.

"People often forget that Specials give up their time for free and this fact makes their achievements all the more fantastic.

Steve has since departed from the Special Constabulary but with all due respect to Medway Conservatives, former Medway Conservaratives or those who support them.

I know which member of the community I trust with their judgement.

It is time for a change. Medway Conservatives are out of ideas, out of touch and out of time.

Vote Labour in Strood and get rid of the constant stories.