Today's most viewed
Blue is now the colour for new Tory Ian
 |
| POLITICAL DIVIDE: In the blue corner is Ian James, with wife Christine remaining mellow yellow Picture: BRIAN JUNG/bj2937 |
A HUSBAND and wife team of councillors is facing a shock political split.
Liberal Democrats Ian and Christine James have served together on Weymouth and Portland Borough Council since 2004 representing different wards in Westham where they live.
But Mr James announced today he was crossing the floor to join the Conservatives. He cites changes in the Lib Dem group and feels that the Tories have stronger leadership'.
Mr James praised his wife for the work she does on the council and said the move should have no bearing on her position.
"She's her own person and contrary to what people may think we don't agree on everything," he said.
Mrs James said: "Of course I'm still talking to him. He has to do what he has to do."
She hinted that she was also considering her position in the party.
The Conservatives strengthened their position as the biggest party on the council at the May elections.
Mr James's move means they will boost their number to 17 although they will need another two members to take control of the council.
Veteran Lib Dem councillor Brian Ellis did not stand at the elections because he has become a church minister.
The party also lost David Harris, the former mayor, who did not stand due to ill health.
Mr James said in a statement: "The last election saw many changes in the Lib Dem group including the loss of two senior members.
"I'm not in the business of slating anybody least of all the Lib Dems - they have been good to me over the last few years and I wish them well.
"The council has some difficult decisions to make over the coming months that will require strong leadership and I believe the Conservatives have that leadership quality which is why I am crossing the floor.
"I still have two years of my term of election to run and my decision will have no effect on the people who elected me.
"I will continue to work hard for Westham East and I will continue to work with Howard Legg, the other ward member.
"At the end of the day I'm here to serve the borough and I will continue to do that to the best of my ability."
Mr James, 48, added today: "Christine and I have not always voted the same way on many issues.
"The way I see it, it will have no effect on the way we do business. Christine is quite happy and that's her choice.
"A lot of people think we're joined at the hip - and yes we are husband and wife - but that's not to say we don't agree on things."
Mrs James, 49, said: "I know Ian and I are married but we do talk. So no, this hasn't come as a complete shock to me.
"I now must think about what I'm going to be doing in the near distant future although I have to consider my position as a member of the Management Committee. I also want to carry on my role as transport briefholder.
"My loyalty is to the people that elected me, then to my party."
Leader of the Lib Dems Ian Roebuck said: "It's Ian's personal decision.
"He's saying he's been unhappy with the election of the group for some time which is a little surprising seeing that it's only been two months that he put himself forward as leader of the group.
"I'm not aware of any policy issues that have prompted him to go."
Leader of the Conservatives Mike Goodman said: "Ian is a man of great personal integrity and it is acknowledged that he has had to struggle with conflicting convictions and loyalties to come to this major decision.
"I know that his first concern has been to the people of Westham East. However, he cannot do so effectively as long as he is constrained by party politics from working in collaboration with other councillors and parties."
Coun Goodman said all the parties have learned to work together but suggested that recently there had been a noticeable shift in the atmosphere away from consensus and towards confrontation.'
9:26am Friday 25th July 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Voice Of Reason, Weymouth on 9:38am Fri 25 Jul 08
Local council really shouldn't be about politics. Mr James has been a councillor for a number of years, and has always seemed to be one of the better ones. Who cares what party he supports? It is only at national level that politics seems to make a difference. Local issues should be dealt with regardless of political bias.
Local council really shouldn't be about politics. Mr James has been a councillor for a number of years, and has always seemed to be one of the better ones. Who cares what party he supports? It is only at national level that politics seems to make a difference. Local issues should be dealt with regardless of political bias.
Posted by: Fabian, Weymouth on 10:27am Fri 25 Jul 08
Could he not have just become independent for the remaining two years?
Could he not have just become independent for the remaining two years?
Posted by: Ask Archie, Weymouth on 10:31am Fri 25 Jul 08
This is typical politics.Voted in by people who supported Lib Dem policy.Now swaps to Tories.There should now be an election in the ward,so that people have the choice they deserve.
This is typical politics.Voted in by people who supported Lib Dem policy.Now swaps to Tories.There should now be an election in the ward,so that people have the choice they deserve.
Posted by: dave T, Weymouth on 11:53am Fri 25 Jul 08
With respect to Archie in the previous comment, Mr James is an elected individual and will still serve westham east. As Mr James has mentioned he has the best interests of the people of Westham at heart I dont think this is the time to be critisising anyone especially Mr James as he and Mrs James have done so much for the borough, I might add they also recieved a Respect award for standing up to thugs and trying to keep the peace in Westham sometimes even going as far as to go into the street and calm potential problems down. Mr James should be applauded for moving parties as he is aiming to better the area in which we live and he believes this is the best option for the pe[quote]quote[/quote] ople of Westham.
With respect to Archie in the previous comment, Mr James is an elected individual and will still serve westham east. As Mr James has mentioned he has the best interests of the people of Westham at heart I dont think this is the time to be critisising anyone especially Mr James as he and Mrs James have done so much for the borough, I might add they also recieved a Respect award for standing up to thugs and trying to keep the peace in Westham sometimes even going as far as to go into the street and calm potential problems down. Mr James should be applauded for moving parties as he is aiming to better the area in which we live and he believes this is the best option for the pe
quote
ople of Westham.
Posted by: Albo, Wyke Regis on 11:57am Fri 25 Jul 08
I've no problems with any politician changing parties. Its shows he's prepared to listen and change his mind over policy instead of ploughing on regardless.
It was, after all, OK for Churchill to do. Twice.
I've no problems with any politician changing parties. Its shows he's prepared to listen and change his mind over policy instead of ploughing on regardless.
It was, after all, OK for Churchill to do. Twice.
Posted by: Voice Of Reason, Weymouth on 12:09pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Completely agree with dave T. Maybe as part of the (larger) Conservative group, Mr James believes that he will get more support for his beliefs. I have never met Mr James, but he is often featured in the Echo making very valid and sensible points. Have to say though, Mrs James has got to be the hottest councillor.
Completely agree with dave T. Maybe as part of the (larger) Conservative group, Mr James believes that he will get more support for his beliefs. I have never met Mr James, but he is often featured in the Echo making very valid and sensible points. Have to say though, Mrs James has got to be the hottest councillor.
Posted by: Ask Archie, Weymouth on 12:10pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Maybe Mr James should be independant until the next election.Although no doubt he will vote with the tories.
Maybe Mr James should be independant until the next election.Although no doubt he will vote with the tories.
Posted by: Fabian, Weymouth on 12:23pm Fri 25 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Albo[/bold] wrote:
I've no problems with any politician changing parties. Its shows he's prepared to listen and change his mind over policy instead of ploughing on regardless. It was, after all, OK for Churchill to do. Twice.[/quote] Yes Churchill did switch frequently between Liberal and Conservative parties...pragmatism I think they call it.
Albo wrote:
I've no problems with any politician changing parties. Its shows he's prepared to listen and change his mind over policy instead of ploughing on regardless. It was, after all, OK for Churchill to do. Twice.
Yes Churchill did switch frequently between Liberal and Conservative parties...pragmatism I think they call it.
Posted by: Voice Of Reason, Weymouth on 12:26pm Fri 25 Jul 08
[quote]Although no doubt he will vote with the tories[/quote] Ask Archie, do you know Mr James? Are you in his head? Can you tell what he is thinking? You should be on the television- "Ask Archie, he knows EVERYTHING". It is local government- they talk about car park charges, dog mess and street lights. Maybe he will vote for these life or death decisions based on the rest of the Conservative party- or maybe he will make his own choice. Only Mr James (and Ask Archie, of course..) will know.
Although no doubt he will vote with the tories
Ask Archie, do you know Mr James? Are you in his head? Can you tell what he is thinking? You should be on the television- "Ask Archie, he knows EVERYTHING". It is local government- they talk about car park charges, dog mess and street lights. Maybe he will vote for these life or death decisions based on the rest of the Conservative party- or maybe he will make his own choice. Only Mr James (and Ask Archie, of course..) will know.
Posted by: Atalanta, Weymouth on 12:57pm Fri 25 Jul 08
At the end of the day no matter what party he is, Ian will still be himself and serving the best interests of the people. Mr and Mrs James are well-known locally and both do a lot, not just paying lip service like some do.
At the end of the day no matter what party he is, Ian will still be himself and serving the best interests of the people. Mr and Mrs James are well-known locally and both do a lot, not just paying lip service like some do.
Posted by: weymouthfox, Weymouth on 1:05pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I don't know Mr or Mrs James, but I think
it is fundamentally dishonest to be elected as Liberals and then transfer to being Toties between elections. They ought to resign and fight a by-election on their new found beliefs. Westham liberals may prefer to elect a Liberal councillor.
I don't know Mr or Mrs James, but I think
it is fundamentally dishonest to be elected as Liberals and then transfer to being Toties between elections. They ought to resign and fight a by-election on their new found beliefs. Westham liberals may prefer to elect a Liberal councillor.
Posted by: dave T, Weymouth on 1:26pm Fri 25 Jul 08
To weymouthfox, have you not read the article? THEY have NOT changed policy!! Mr James has left the liberals because of internal leadership issues. It is nothing to do with any beliefs as they have not changed!!! Unless you know otherwise??? Mr James wants what is best for Westham and his views have not changed. What has changed is the Party itself which is why he transferred to another party, a party with better leadership and a party that at the end of the day will get things done in this town. Their beliefs have not changed unless you have read a different article?
To weymouthfox, have you not read the article? THEY have NOT changed policy!! Mr James has left the liberals because of internal leadership issues. It is nothing to do with any beliefs as they have not changed!!! Unless you know otherwise??? Mr James wants what is best for Westham and his views have not changed. What has changed is the Party itself which is why he transferred to another party, a party with better leadership and a party that at the end of the day will get things done in this town. Their beliefs have not changed unless you have read a different article?
Posted by: Fabian, Weymouth on 7:44pm Fri 25 Jul 08
[bold]weymouthfox:[[/bold] quote]transfer to being Toties[/quote]
Wasn't that what Voice of Reason was on about!!!? ;-)
weymouthfox:transfer to being Toties
Wasn't that what Voice of Reason was on about!!!? ;-) Posted by: genghis, portland on 7:57pm Fri 25 Jul 08
"My loyalty is to the people that elected me, then to my party."
Well obviously it isn't. The people that elected you voted for the Liberal Democrats. Your so called loyalty has created a new Tory councillor. Loyalty to your party comes second to you, well you've proved that and I expect the Tories will be keeping an eye on your loyalty.
Loyalty to the people comes first to you, which is why the people wanted a Liberal Democrat councillor and have now been stabbed in the back with a Tory councillor.
It's not acceptable that we have an unelected Prime Minister so why should it be acceptable that the people of Westham now have an unelected Tory councillor?
"My loyalty is to the people that elected me, then to my party."
Well obviously it isn't. The people that elected you voted for the Liberal Democrats. Your so called loyalty has created a new Tory councillor. Loyalty to your party comes second to you, well you've proved that and I expect the Tories will be keeping an eye on your loyalty.
Loyalty to the people comes first to you, which is why the people wanted a Liberal Democrat councillor and have now been stabbed in the back with a Tory councillor.
It's not acceptable that we have an unelected Prime Minister so why should it be acceptable that the people of Westham now have an unelected Tory councillor?
Posted by: weymouthfred, weymouth on 12:20am Sat 26 Jul 08
A couple of friends who live in Ian James' ward voted for him because he was their Lib Dem candidate, but now they have a Tory councillor which they are not happy about.
If Cllr James felt so strongly about the issue, he should have followed in the footsteps of David Davis, resigned from the council, forcing a bye-election and than stood for election as the Tory candidate.
Loyalty is a two way street, Cllr James.
A couple of friends who live in Ian James' ward voted for him because he was their Lib Dem candidate, but now they have a Tory councillor which they are not happy about.
If Cllr James felt so strongly about the issue, he should have followed in the footsteps of David Davis, resigned from the council, forcing a bye-election and than stood for election as the Tory candidate.
Loyalty is a two way street, Cllr James.
Posted by: weymouthfox, Weymouth on 12:38am Sat 26 Jul 08
Sorry Dave T but I think that if somebody transfers from Liberal Democrat to Conservative, they have changed their views. Weymouth Fred is quite right, he should resign abd fight a byelection on his new party ticket.
I still think this is dishonest. Reading the article again I am puzzled by the reference to Mrs James having a "position" on the council. Not sure what this means, but could Mrs James reluctance to show her hand at this point be related to this position. Would it be a Liberal Democrat position that would be taken away if she joins the Conservatives?
Sorry Dave T but I think that if somebody transfers from Liberal Democrat to Conservative, they have changed their views. Weymouth Fred is quite right, he should resign abd fight a byelection on his new party ticket.
I still think this is dishonest. Reading the article again I am puzzled by the reference to Mrs James having a "position" on the council. Not sure what this means, but could Mrs James reluctance to show her hand at this point be related to this position. Would it be a Liberal Democrat position that would be taken away if she joins the Conservatives?
Posted by: techie, Weymouth on 1:09am Sat 26 Jul 08
And here we have just about every reason ever for keeping politics out of local government. As Voice Of Reason says above, our councillors are debating things like "car park charges, dog mess and street lights", not matters of state where a clear political divide exists.
When it comes to local elections I really do think it's more important to vote for the person rather than what colour rosette they're wearing. Just my opinion though.
And here we have just about every reason ever for keeping politics out of local government. As Voice Of Reason says above, our councillors are debating things like "car park charges, dog mess and street lights", not matters of state where a clear political divide exists.
When it comes to local elections I really do think it's more important to vote for the person rather than what colour rosette they're wearing. Just my opinion though.
Posted by: myviews, weymouth on 2:05am Sat 26 Jul 08
'Voice of reason'
Mrs James has got to be the hottest councillor. The biggest mouth more like?
You need glasses voice! There are better looking female councillors like Scott and the youngest on the block, Alsop. These both use their heads, talk sense and don't throw their dolly out the pram if they don't get attention.
As for Ian James, you could not meet a nicer bloke, he will stand up and speak out no matter what party hat he wears!
Anyway, he could not have chosen a better political group and I for one won't be surprised if other Lib Dems don't follow Ian James and join the Tories!
'Voice of reason'
Mrs James has got to be the hottest councillor. The biggest mouth more like?
You need glasses voice! There are better looking female councillors like Scott and the youngest on the block, Alsop. These both use their heads, talk sense and don't throw their dolly out the pram if they don't get attention.
As for Ian James, you could not meet a nicer bloke, he will stand up and speak out no matter what party hat he wears!
Anyway, he could not have chosen a better political group and I for one won't be surprised if other Lib Dems don't follow Ian James and join the Tories!
Posted by: genghis, portland on 7:39am Sat 26 Jul 08
[quote][bold]techie[/bold] wrote:
And here we have just about every reason ever for keeping politics out of local government. As Voice Of Reason says above, our councillors are debating things like "car park charges, dog mess and street lights", not matters of state where a clear political divide exists. When it comes to local elections I really do think it's more important to vote for the person rather than what colour rosette they're wearing. Just my opinion though.[/quote] Keep politics out of local government? The act of governing whether at international, national or local level is politics! Why do you think councillors join political parties (and in some cases betray the people that vote for them by switching parties)? Whether it's local government deciding whether to raise car park charges or national government deciding to raise road tax it is all politics.
techie wrote:
And here we have just about every reason ever for keeping politics out of local government. As Voice Of Reason says above, our councillors are debating things like "car park charges, dog mess and street lights", not matters of state where a clear political divide exists. When it comes to local elections I really do think it's more important to vote for the person rather than what colour rosette they're wearing. Just my opinion though.
Keep politics out of local government? The act of governing whether at international, national or local level is politics! Why do you think councillors join political parties (and in some cases betray the people that vote for them by switching parties)? Whether it's local government deciding whether to raise car park charges or national government deciding to raise road tax it is all politics.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
