Lib Dem Candidate for Newark Forced on Local Party?

I’ve been hearing some pretty scary things about the local Lib Dems in the Newark parliamentary constituency. For some months now there have been rumours of splits and factions locally with the historic power base in Southwell doing everything they can to silence supporters in Newark.

Now it emerges that the Lib Dem candidate, Pauline Jenkins, was forced on the local party who weren’t allowed to nominate anyone to stand against her, let alone hold an election. If these rumours are true (and I have no reason to doubt them) it demonstrates yet another triumph for the Southwell Lib Dem Mafia over there supposed colleagues in Newark as Pauline Jenkins is definitely part of the Southwell crowd.

What can the Newark Lib Dems do to fight back? Last week they elected a new chairman in Declan Logue who is also chairman of Farndon Parish Council. I hope that Mr Logue has the stomach for a fight because it looks as if he will need to be strong if he is going to return some element of democracy to the Lib Dems in this constituency!