Ex mayor joins Tories

FORMER Lewes Mayor Graham Mayhew has changed his political allegiance for the fourth time in a political career spanning more than 20 years.

The former Labour, Liberal Democrat and most recently Independent councillor, who represents Priory Ward, has been 'warmly welcomed' into the ranks of the Conservative group on Lewes District Council.

Said Tory group leader Cllr Keith Moorhouse: 'We are pleased to welcome Graham with his sharp mind and analytical skills as one of our number.

'He is a popular and hard working member who has served his ward and the district well.

'As an Independent operating in a political environment, he found it harder to achieve changes for the benefit of his electorate.

'As a member of the Conservative group he will receive the support of others in opposing any ill thought-out and flawed LibDem policy proposals such as the gravestones fiasco.'

Lewes District Council will now be made up of 18 Conservatives, two Independents and 28 LibDems.

Cllr Mayhew was Mayor of Lewes in 1981/82, 1990/91 and 1999/2000. His late father Frank (Labour) was also Mayor in 1983/84.

Said district council leader Cllr Ann De Vecchi (LibDem): 'Becoming a Tory gives Graham a full house. He's now tried every party except the Greens.

'He shares the Tory principle in believing in self-interest above all else.

'We look forward to seeing the effect of his membership on the local Conservative Party.' Steve Watts for Lewes Labour said: 'We are not surprised. After all, he has been a member of every other party except the Greens.

'It is difficult to trust a man whose convictions change so regularly. However, Graham has served Lewes to the best of his ability for at least two decades.'

Cllr Mayhew's love affair with the LibDems ended two years ago when his millennium scheme for an art gallery in the town hall basement was dropped and he was refused a second term as Mayor.

He then resigned from Lewes Town Council and was later expelled from the LibDems. He has remained on Lewes District Council as an Independent.

Concerned

Cllr Mayhew said: 'I have become increasingly concerned at the high level of council tax locally and was impressed by the Conservative's success in substantially reducing the increase on the county council.

'I believe local government should provide essential services as cost-effectively as possible and hope that any incoming Conservative administration after next year's election will review every aspect of the district council's activities to identify savings.

'While undoubtedly a progressive in social policy and matters of individual liberty, I have always been much more conservative (with a small c) on financial matters and see myself essentially as a moderate and a pragmatist.

'I have always had friends right across the political spectrum and see absolutely no reason for this to be any different now. It is a shame when people are simply labelled according to the party they represent.

'Frankly I'm no different a person than I was six months ago. I've also become increasingly concerned that Lewes is becoming a one-party state which is a very unhealthy situation for all parties.'