Lib-Dem Jamie ruffles Rustington parish politics

Jamie Bennett's punt at parish politics has rippled the normally tranquil waters of the council, on which all 15 current members sit as independents.

Lib-Dem Jamie will contest the West ward seat vacated by former parish council chairman Mike Warrington, who has moved away from the area, in a two-horse race with Andy Cooper, described as the "Keep Rustington Council Independent" candidate. The by-election is on Thursday, September 17.

Another former parish council chairman Graham Tyler, who is also a Conservative councillor on Arun District and West Sussex County councils, has urged villagers in a letter to the Gazette to vote for Mr Cooper "to ensure that the parish council retains its independent status for many years to come".

'Completely apolitical'

But Jamie, 20, of Epsom Gardens, dismissed Mr Tyler's attack as "unfair", adding: "It is everyone's democratic right to stand as an independent or as part of a party."

In his letter, Mr Tyler states: "For as many years as I can remember, the parish council has been completely apolitical, and that is the way I presume the local community would want it to remain.

"Unlike other town and parish councils, politics do not play a part in any decisions made by the (Rustington) parish council. Obviously, every member of the council has their own view, which are highly respected by all councillors, but these views are not aired at meetings, not are they ever evident in any decisions the council might make."

Jamie, who moved to this area from Seaford almost two years ago, said: "My dream is to help local people and be involved in politics. I may not know as much as some people, as I am only 20, but you have to start somewhere. Helping the community here would be that start for me."

Party support

A St John Ambulance member for 10 years until last year, Jamie also attends Neighbourhood Watch meetings in Rustington and liaises with the village police community support officer. He has also worked in elections for Lewes Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker.

He decided to stand as a Liberal Democrat to give his election campaign more support. "I feel being part of a party can help. You have advice from other people and the support of the party. Going round Rustington, I seem to get more respect because I am a Liberal Democrat."

Mr Cooper, until recently chairman of Rustington Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and still a committee member, said he had no political axe to grind and no issues with anyone standing against him.

"My standpoint is I want the best for this community. Politics or anything else doesn't come into it, whether someone is Conservative, Labour or Liberal Democrat. For me, it's about wanting to do what is good for the area and the people."

-----------------------------

Click here to return to Gazette news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Gazette's international readers' map by clicking here.

E-mail the Gazette: [email protected]