Sponsored by
Why I quit party
- council Liberal
Democrat leader
Cllr Denis Jones quit as Mid Sussex Liberal Democrat Leader to become Independent
Party politics is blocking attempts to revive the fortunes of Burgess Hill, says the man who quit as leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Mid Sussex Council.
Denis Jones, of Valebridge Road, Burgess Hill, who is also a town councillor, said: “I believe, that party politics is an obstacle to progress in the regeneration of Burgess Hill.
“It is characterised by ‘weathervane’ politics at Town and District level and creates conflict which is out of place in local affairs.
“Being an independent councillor, does not mean that I do not have political views. Far from it.”
Mr Jones believes the need by residents for common sense solutions, regardless of party loyalty, can be met by independent councillors.
He said: “I shall continue to be ‘liberal’ in my outlook, but I already feel comfortable in my new role as the only Independent councillor in Mid Sussex.”
Roger Cartwright, chair of the Burgess Hill branch of the Liberal Democrats, said its committee had passed a resolution about its colleague’s resignation.
The resolution said: “The Burgess Hill branch of the Liberal Democrats wished to express its sincere regrets that Denis Jones has resigned from the party and to record our thanks for the hard work and service that he has given to the branch.
“Noting that Denis has not joined another party, we hope that we may continue to work together with him to further the good of the community.
“Denis has been committed to bringing about the regeneration of Burgess Hill envisioned in the 20 year Town Strategy, an initiative which was started by the Liberal Democrats and which has our continuing support, subject to being satisfied with the delivery of the benefits for which we have long argued and which Mid Sussex Council is, we believe, under a duty to deliver.
“Denis has represented the Liberal Democrats on the Town Council Strategic Planning Committee to which he has devoted much time and effort.
“ He is of the opinion that this work is non-political by nature and that he is better placed to continue with this as an independent.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Haywards Heath
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 5 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 5 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
