Update: Victorious Tory slams Labour 'dirty tricks'

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Thursday, February 12, 2009
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This is Croydon

New Tory councillor Clare Hilley has slammed Labour for using 'scare tactics' during the Waddon by-election campaign.

The former reality TV star was elected to Croydon Council last night, with Labour candidate Ian Payne beaten into second place by around 200 votes with the BNP beating the Liberal Democrats to third place.

The announcement at the Town Hall was met with jubilant cheers from the Conservatives who had been confident of victory as soon as votes started to be counted.

Turnout for the by-election, which was caused by the death of Croydon mayor Jonathan Driver, was 28.5 per cent.

Miss Hilley was a star of BBC1 show Castaway where she was sent to live on a remote island off New Zealand.

She said "I would like to thank the people of Waddon for electing me to represent them. Jonathan Driver is a tough act to follow but I am committed to following his example and will work tirelessly to represent the interests of the residents of Waddon.

"I have the greatest respect for the Labour candidate Ian Payne who was a worthy opponent, as he was when we both stood for election in the 2006 council elections.

"It is regrettable that he has allowed the Labour leader, Cllr Tony Newman to take over the campaign and use malicious lies to try and scare voters into voting Labour".

Leader of the council Mike Fisher also took a shot at his Labour counterpart.

He said "Labour, under the leadership of Tony Newman, has just fought one of the dirtiest campaigns we can remember, spreading allegations they knew were totally untrue.

"In spite of this, the residents of Waddon have shown that they can see through the lies and have totally rejected Labour in favour of the Conservatives who have run the council so well for the last 3 years."

During its campaign, Labour had insisted in its election leaflets that the Tory council had a secret plan to build an incinerator at its Factory Lane recycling site, but would not admit it.

It was an accusation firmly denied by the Tories, who accused Labour of scaremongering to boost its support.

The Tories also came under fire, however, for their well-timed announcement that funding was being allocated for a new swimming pool in Waddon.

Some cynics questioned whether this was simply electioneering and doubted whether it would actually ever happen.

The full results of last night's vote were: John Cartwright, Official Monster Raving Loony Party, 11 votes; Mary Davey, Green, 115 votes; Kathleen Garner, UK Independence Party, 48 votes; Patricia Guague, Lib Dems, 150 votes; Clare Hilley, Conservatives, 1,462 votes; Charlotte Lewis, British National Party, 157 votes; Ian Payne, Labour, 1,222 votes; Mark Samuel, People's Choice, 13 votes.

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  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Neutron Jill, Croydon

    Saturday, February 21 2009, 6:48PM

    “People don't vote, much, for several reasons.

    1: 'my vote doesn't make a difference'. It does - sometimes.

    2: 'all politicians are the same all - in it for themselves'. Recent antics of the Home Secretary [Smith, Labour] over her expenses may have been utterly legal - but leave a very sour taste in the mouths of those who have to pay for her 'expenses'. And the Tories are quiet, because a lot of them are doing the same [and the Dim Lebs, and the rest]. A lot of current MP - and MEPs and others have never done a job of work - movd from researcher to lobbyist to Councillor to MP/MEP.
    The system stinks - but it suits those who have the power to change it on a day to day basis
    And if what Smih did was within the rules, the rules need hanging TOOT SWEET.

    3: most of our laws are 'made IN Europe'. True - and see 2 above - but in spades.
    The Average MEP can take home £200,000 per annum - and have a colossal pension at the end of it, which is paid for by - well, you've three guesses . . .
    . No wonder the likes of Glenys Kinnock and Kilroy-Silk and others are so keen to be an MEP!
    PS
    Neutron Jill for MEP - Vote Neutron Jill!”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Sharon, Croydon

    Monday, February 16 2009, 4:12PM

    “The people didn't vote because there was nobody worth voting for the majority obviously have no confidence in what you as a party spurt. You lie, cheat and say what you think needs to be said to get yourselves elected and then do what the hell you like after the election, never ever true to your word. The fact that more people voted BNP beating the Lib Dems and Greens was purely and simply to make a point and be heard for once. They were trying to make a stand not because they agree with BNP policies but to let all other parties know that they've had enough of immigration. People of Waddon would rather vote BNP knowing BNP would never win, than vote Conservative/labour. Sorry BNP but I think you'll find thats fact.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Doug, Croydon

    Monday, February 16 2009, 2:39PM

    “What a relief that these appalling tactics from Labour and the BNP have failed. Labour have no excuse as they are supposed to be an all inclusive party to represent all cultures and peoples. Clearly all they are interested in is themselves if this horrid personal and policyless campaign is anything to go by. The Tories have done ok in Croydon considering the appalling mess left behind by Labour which saw us go from the second cheapest council tax in London to one of the most expensive outside Kingston. If they cannot win the seat in Waddon on such a grotty turnout then they won't win the Council back and, Councillor Newman this will be a very good thing if you cannot run a proper campaign.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Mr.Angry, Purley

    Sunday, February 15 2009, 2:14PM

    “Right decision Waddoners.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Another one moved away, Durham

    Saturday, February 14 2009, 7:43PM

    “No wonder it was a low turn out Tory's have been in Croydon council for last 3 years in may, there last promise was to get rid of sleeping policeman (road humps) well? in fact when they first get in they put in more when you turn right out of East Croydon station which is used only by buses and Taxis there all the same the two main partys no wonder people are looking for alternative political partys like BNP.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by John Clarke, Croydon

    Saturday, February 14 2009, 5:00PM

    “Thanks for every body that voted BNP .”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Tom Breight, Croydon

    Friday, February 13 2009, 4:13PM

    “Tony Newman chose to run Ian¿s campaign on an entirely negative basis. His literature contained very personal attacks on Coun Hilley, which were completely unacceptable - not to mention the gigantic lie about a mythical incinerator.

    I feel very sorry for Ian as I, like many people who watched this campaign, thought he was a pretty decent sort of guy.

    Thanks to the filthy dirty tactics of Newman, Payne leaves this election with his reputation tarnished.

    The Labour group should be asking some serious questions about who they feel should lead them into the 2010 elections if they wish to survive.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by AMK, Waddon

    Friday, February 13 2009, 2:44PM

    “I am very sad that only 28.5% turned up to vote. Yes it was cold, but we received plenty of literature to encourage us to vote. What is embarrassing is that the BNP can beat the Lib Dems and the Greens. Rest in peace Jonathan.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by informer, surrey

    Friday, February 13 2009, 1:46PM

    “From the turn out it appears hardly any one can be bothered to vote. All the parties are just in it for themselves no matter who you vote in. Wont make a diddly squat of difference. No one listen to the public any more. We are just lemming heading towards a cliff. The MEDIA control what they want us to hear and pay themselves very well. Just look at Paul Schofields sits down and sympathectically listen to some one who just lost every think due to the credit crunch . But happly take say 45k per show in this case Mr and Mrs. Thats real value for money that is. While a nurse would have to work nearly two years day and night for the same sum. Remember who ever contols the media controls the world. Big Brother here its just no one realise,s it. I only quote Paul Schofield as an example. From recent news article. But how long can these people pay such stupid money. Market Forces rubbish creed. Paul a good presenter but 45k come off it. How much is a tin of beans.”

  • Profile image for This is Croydon

    by Arfur Towcrate, Waddon, actually

    Friday, February 13 2009, 1:15PM

    “BP, there was nobody worth voting for, which is why I didn't bother.

    As for "Labour lies", the Tories are keeping very quiet about what is being planned by the South London Waste Partnership.

    Here's a simple question for Councillor Hilley - does the "energy from waste" option being considered involve incineration?”

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