THE former leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has not been approved to stand as a Conservative candidate in next year’s local elections.

The North West Hampshire Conservative Association (NWHCA) has confirmed that Ken Rhatigan, Tory councillor for Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst, has not been approved to stand next year.

Cllr Rhatigan is currently going through the appeal process to overturn the decision but said there would be an option for him to stand as an independent if the appeal didn't go his way.

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He said: "I was deselected with this Conservative group after the May meeting following the elections. I think I did the right thing as I abstained from certain decisions - the other parties got a majority and we didn't get the will of the people to win that majority. Democracy is all about taking that as fact and don't fight the will of the people.

"We are currently going through the appeal process, and if I fail in the appeal, will listen to the people who want me to stand in a different guise. I hope the Conservative Party changes its mind, as I think I do and have done a very good job for my ward.

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"I was the only councillor who appeared at the appeal for a new supermarket in Kingsclere, and have volunteered time in the community shop, emptying dog bins, but it seems the Conservative Party do not want that hard work in our community to continue."

Ken added that he 'loved' his ward after living there for the last 21 years, and said he will make a full statement when the appeal process is completed.

Cllr Rhatighan had been the leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council from May 2019 until February 2022, when he resigned for personal reasons.

A spokesperson for NWHCA stated: "The association does not comment on the decisions of its approvals panels, which consider all potential candidates for local office prior to selection and election.

"A Conservative candidate for the Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst ward will be chosen ahead of the 2024 local elections, whom we hope will secure the support of the community in May."