Controversial councillor resigns

Thursday, 14 January 2010

A COUNCILLOR whose selection as a prospective MP caused controversy has bid farewell to the people she has represented.

Elizabeth Truss has written to all residents in the Eltham South Ward to notify them of her resignation from Greenwich council after three and a half years’ service.

The 34-year-old has now moved to Downham Market following her selection in November to stand as the Conservative Party’s candidate for South West Norfolk.

Ms Truss faced deselection by Norfolk Conservatives who were concerned the married mum-of-two did not advise them of an affair she had with a married MP five years earlier.

However her appointment, which hit the national headlines, was backed in a secret ballot.

In her letter Ms Truss highlighted that since November she had not been claiming her councillor’s allowance despite attending some council meetings.

She apologised for any inconvenience caused by her resignation.

Because it has happened so close to the council elections in May, a by-election will not be called.

Ms Truss said her joint work with the other Conservative councillors in the area had “given Eltham a voice, as we promised to do”.

Spencer Drury, Tory opposition leader at Greenwich council, said: “Liz leaving is a great loss to Greenwich Conservatives but I am sure she will become an excellent MP.”

Councillor Peter King, who also represents Eltham South, is due to retire at the next council election.

The Eltham South Conservatives have chosen Matt Clare and Adam Thomas to contest the two seats in May.

To contact the team for further information, call 020 8850 2880.

Email: mercury@slp.co.uk

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