Resorts top Tory to resign



Southport's top Tory is to step down, Champnews.com can reveal.

Phil King will resign as chairman of the resort's Conservative Association before the autumn after two years in the job.

He denied his decision has anything to do with plans to merge his organisation with the new Sefton Central Association which includes Formby and Crosby. The new group will be called Coastline Conservatives.

"Those proposals are being minutely considered by all concerned, but I have decided to take stock of my own personal situation. Throughout my working life, I always put my job first, now I must put my family

first," said 68-year-old Mr King, whose wife Maureen is not in the best

of health.

The merger plans have infuriated members of the resort's Tory management committee who have been informed their group will be disbanded in September and they will all have to reapply for their

positions. Last month association president Jeremy Myers resigned.

Mr King, former tourism boss with Sefton Council, said: "Across the country the Conservative Party is modernising its organisation and making sure the support we receive from local people is used well and

put to best use in bringing about the political change that people want to see. It is obvious to most people now that only the Conservatives can replace this hopeless, dithering Labour government."

By Martin Hovden



Original article...