Tory gets chance to fight his corner

Coun Adrian Naylor, (Craven) who at one time held a cabinet position on Bradford Council, was furious after being told he would not be able to defend the seat. The reasons for the decision by Keighley and Ilkley Conservative Association remain unclear but the 52-year-old has now been told his appeal against not being included on the approved list of candidates will be heard by an independent panel.

In a letter from Maurice Cook, voluntary party manager for North of England Conservatives, Coun Naylor has been told the appeal on March 22 will be heard by Victoria Aitken, area chairman of North and East Yorkshire Conservatives and Terry Pearson, deputy chairman (political) of West Yorkshire Conservatives.

However, Coun Naylor says he is unhappy because “the timing of this will prejudice my appeal and my opportunity to stand as a candidate in these elections”.

Keighley and Ilkley Association chairman Dorothy Clamp said the candidate chosen to replace Coun Naylor will be Andrew Rowley who has previous election experience.