Tories welcome Sheppey's last two independents
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by
Emma Grove
Two of Sheppey’s independent borough councillors have joined the
Conservatives.
The defection of Leysdown and Warden councillor Pat Sandle and
Sheppey Central councillor Paul Sturdgess means the Tories have
increased their majority to 31.
Labour holds 11 seats and the Lib Dems hold four.
West Downs councillor Monique Bonney is the only remaining
independent councillor after Lesley Ingham joined the Tories in
October last year.
Cllr Sandle, who was elected to Sheppey First! three years ago
said she decided to join the Conservatives so she could achieve
more.
She said: “We have the biggest tourist area in Swale over here
and we need some help, which we are now getting and hopefully that
will go on and make it a lot better at this end of the Island.”
Cllr Sandle’s main concerns for the area are providing services
for young and older people.
Cllr Sturdgess said his priorities haven’t changed since he was
elected with 
Sheppey First!
He said: “When I came to be a local councillor I didn’t really
have a strong view because I didn’t know the local parties.
“But now I have had the time to get to know those groups, I feel
my priorities are very similar to those of the Conservatives. I
feel I can add more value to the local community.”
Cllr Sturdgess added that his priorities include working on the
ward’s reputation for anti-social behaviour and road safety is also
an issue.
Cllrs Sandle and Sturdgess announced their decisions at last
week’s full council meeting.
Thursday, March 04 2010
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