Romford Tories relish election challenge of Ukip ‘deserters’

Former Tory chairman Alby Tebbutt (Image: Archant)

The latest 21 candidates gathered at their headquarters on Monday at Margaret Thatcher House, in Western Road, Romford, to launch their campaign to take all 21 seats in the area.

The former RCA chairman, and Ukip candidate, Alby Tebbutt left during a bitter struggle between the old guard and its younger members.

He previously said to the Recorder that he will “wipe the RCA off the face of the Earth”.

At the meeting, RCA chairman Cllr Osmand Dervish said: “I relish the challenge - there is only one thing going to be wiped and that is egg off his face.

“They [Ukip] have a certain appeal to certain people. We campaign on local issues. They are pushing immigration and the EU. But if you want to be managed properly, speak to us.”

Responding to Mr Tebbutt’s comments that the RCA had been taken over by “conniving little kids”, Cllr Dervish rubbished the claims saying he sounded like a “Scooby Doo villain”.

“It’s not about age, it’s about the mindset,” he said.

The meeting comes after three more candidates jumped from the RCA to join Ukip this political term making the total six.

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell said they had “deserted” their friends and colleagues at the 11th hour.

But Cllr Munday, who switched parties last week, said that the RCA deselected him by not inviting him to stand again. One of the RCA vice-chairmen Judith Holt claimed letters had been sent to him.

Cllr Lynden Thorpe also departed the RCA for Ukip last week.

The rift between the warring factions seems persistent as Miss Holt said that Cllr Thorpe “won’t even talk to us” any more.

Cllr Thorpe gave her reasons for leaving as: “I don’t think they have behaved in a in an honourable way.”

Read more:

Romford political stalwart Alby Tebbutt to run as Ukip councillor

Conservative Mayor of Havering Cllr Eric Munday defects to Ukip