Patmore chosen to lead Tory group
In a surprise move in the run-up to the local elections Cllr Andy Patmore has been chosen to lead the Conservative group on Hastings Borough Council. He promises to challenge the ruling Labour group’s handling of council affairs. Nick Terdre reports.
With just a month to go before the postponed local elections on 6 May, Cllr Rob Lee has stepped down as leader of the eight-strong group of Conservative councillors and been replaced by his deputy, Cllr Andy Patmore. Patmore, who has represented the Maze Hill ward since 2016, will take his place as the new leader of the group at HBC’s next full council meeting on 14 April.
“Andy is a fantastic councillor, and I am very pleased he is my successor, he has a positive vision for Hastings and St Leonards and I look forward to him taking control of the authority,” said Lee.
“I would like to thank Rob Lee, the outgoing leader, for his hard work over the last few years and look forward to taking the Conservatives into this year’s local elections in May,” Patmore said.
A clear choice
“As the new leader of the Conservative group going into the elections on May 6th I want to give the people of Hastings and St Leonards a clear choice,” he told HOT.
“There has been a Labour administration running the Council for 11 years and I get the impression they are running out of ideas, complacent and take their residents for granted.
“Councillors are elected to represent the views of their residents and it will be my constant aim to make sure they are listened to. I have been to meetings and listened to many amazing ideas from people who have a passion for their town but who end up being mostly ignored.
“Planning policy is a major issue in town. I recognise the shortage and need to build more homes for people to live in locally, but I strongly believe you should not do this at the expense of building on all our green spaces.”
Lee served as leader of the Tory group for four and a half years. Cllr John Rankin, who represents Conquest ward, becomes the new deputy leader.
If you’re enjoying HOT and would like us to continue providing fair and balanced reporting on local matters please consider making a donation. Click here to open our PayPal donation link. Thank you for your continued support!
Also in: Politics
« Harrow Lane: an important choice for voters!Parties gear up for 6 May polls »
