Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Tory county councillor ousted for following party policy

May 1, 2009 8:56 PM
Originally published by Surrey County Council Lib Dems
Tory Split Logo

"I feel bitter and betrayed" says Tory ousted for following party policy

It has now been confirmed in 'Staines News' that county councillor Laurie Burrell, who has represented Laleham and Shepperton at county hall for the last eight years, has not been reselected. Although no official reason has been given, rumours have been circulating for several weeks that he was being ousted for voting against the proposed third runway at Heathrow in a county council debate.

Laurie Burrell, who has also been a borough councillor in Spelthorne for 22 years, disagreed with the decision by the local leadership of Spelthorne Conservatives to drop their opposition to the expansion of Heathrow. He is quoted as saying "I cannot stand by and see the Sipson community destroyed". Ironically the conservatives nationally did eventually decide to oppose Heathrow expansion, so it is the local party, not Cllr Burrell who is out of step, but that hasn't stopped them from de-selecting him.

According to Staines News, Laurie Burrell says he feels "bitter and betrayed" - and will stand for re-election in opposition to the new conservative candidate, not for any party, just as Laurie Burrell. He told Staines News: "I have worked very hard for the conservatives for 22 years, only to be now told I don't make the grade. It was only recently at the AGM the party was thanking me for my hard work. I feel betrayed but I have no intention of retiring."

Related Links

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    guildfordlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2009/068786/tory-county-councillor-ousted-for-following-party-policy
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    guildfordlibdems.org/a62Zg

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image