Fareham councillor to appeal decision after losing vote to retain county council seat

Chris Wood and Sean Woodward shaking hands via lc

Chris Wood and Sean Woodward shaking hands PPP-161110-124059001 — Chris Wood and Sean Woodward shaking hands via lc Chris Wood and Sean Woodward shaking hands PPP-161110-124059001

Councillor Chris Wood, who defected from the Ukip party to the Conservatives last month, lost a vote to stand as the Tory candidate for the Fareham Crofton seat at the Hampshire County Council elections next May.

However, Cllr Wood, who is the current occupant of the seat, is set to appeal the decision to the Gosport Conservative Association (GCA) who will have the final say.

The original vote was held at the meeting of the Hill Head and Stubbington branch of the Conservative party on November 19, in which Cllr Wood lost to Pal Hayre.

Speaking on his decision to appeal, Cllr Wood said: ‘The decision taken by some members to remove me as their councillor does not reflect the wishes of the people of Stubbington and Hill Head, nor the wider Conservative party.

‘I am incredibly grateful for the large amount of support I have received from residents and fellow councillors.

‘I remain committed to working hard on both the county and borough councils and I hope to remain on both for many more years to come.’

The GCA are likely to make their decision next year on who will stand for the seat.