John Kiely resigns as Lib Dem PPC for Filton and Bradley Stoke
Posted on Sunday 6th September 2009 at 7:56 pm by SH (Editor)
Local Liberal Democrats have suffered a setback in their campaign to win the parliamentary seat of Filton and Bradley Stoke (FABS) at the next general election with the news that their prospective candidate has resigned.
John Kiely was selected in April 2008 as the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for the newly created FABS constituency. He wasted little time in getting involved in local issues, including the dispute between Northavon Bowls Club and Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC).
Mr Kiely attended the Special Meeting of BSTC held on 8th May 2008 to discuss the bowls club dispute and later described the Conservative-led Town Council as “the most unhelpful in England”.
He also filed an official complaint with the Town Council’s external auditor about the way the bowls dispute had been handled.
Prior to being selected to fight the parliamentary constituency, Mr Kiely served on Bristol City Council for many years, but he lost his seat in 2007.
In a surprising move, Mr Kiely stood for the Easton seat on Bristol City Council in June 2009 and was duly elected. Many questioned the rationale of rejoining the Council instead of focusing all his efforts on winning the Westminster seat.
Bradley Stoke Lib Dem Councillor Jon Williams told The Journal:
“This is obviously a blow for the local party and local executive will be making plans to appoint a new PPC as soon as possible.”
According to the House of Parliament Library, FABS is the third closest three way marginal in England – based on 2005 figures, amended for boundary changes, the seat is split 35.5% Con, 33.9% Lab and 28.4% Lib Dem [source: Terry Cook].
Other prospective candidates announced to date are Ian Boulton (Labour) and Jack Lopresti (Conservative).
