Tom Hark Preston Park
Will Post For Cash
- Jul 6, 2003
- 72,401
Fine quotes in the Argus online today - Marina Pepper losing her rag at the Brighton Lib-Dems. It's all GOOD
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Lib Dem and ex-Brighton and Hove mayor Jenny Barnard- Langston and Lib Dem councillor Paul Elgood unfurled a banner which read: "Lib Dems 4 Falmer".
The seeming lack of solidarity with their Lewes colleagues apparently infuriated Lewes District Council chairwoman Marina Pepper.
An unnamed source said Coun Pepper stormed up to the dissenters and shouted at them, before taking pictures of them as proof of their disloyalty and threatening to have them expelled from the party.
The Brighton and Hove branch of the Lib Dems had told the members not to turn up at the rally in an official capacity.
But they went along individually to support the campaign.
Coun Elgood said: "A number of Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats have been life-long Albion supporters.
"We respect Norman Baker MP but we believe in Falmer, it's the only option."
Divisive issue The party president, Simon Hughes, said no official action would be taken against the city councillors.
He said: "I know it's become a divisive issue. Clearly it's a very important issue locally but it's not a matter the party leadership can resolve.
"It's going through the political process and I hope there's a solution.
"I understand the frustration of fans but local politics is about people making decisions that reflect what voters wish."
Coun Pepper was unavailable for comment last night.
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Lib Dem and ex-Brighton and Hove mayor Jenny Barnard- Langston and Lib Dem councillor Paul Elgood unfurled a banner which read: "Lib Dems 4 Falmer".
The seeming lack of solidarity with their Lewes colleagues apparently infuriated Lewes District Council chairwoman Marina Pepper.
An unnamed source said Coun Pepper stormed up to the dissenters and shouted at them, before taking pictures of them as proof of their disloyalty and threatening to have them expelled from the party.
The Brighton and Hove branch of the Lib Dems had told the members not to turn up at the rally in an official capacity.
But they went along individually to support the campaign.
Coun Elgood said: "A number of Brighton and Hove Liberal Democrats have been life-long Albion supporters.
"We respect Norman Baker MP but we believe in Falmer, it's the only option."
Divisive issue The party president, Simon Hughes, said no official action would be taken against the city councillors.
He said: "I know it's become a divisive issue. Clearly it's a very important issue locally but it's not a matter the party leadership can resolve.
"It's going through the political process and I hope there's a solution.
"I understand the frustration of fans but local politics is about people making decisions that reflect what voters wish."
Coun Pepper was unavailable for comment last night.