Tory interference prevents Charles Kennedy visit to Children's Centre

1.23.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 9th Mar 2005

Sue Doughty MP, Charles Kennedy MP and Guildford Lib Dems

Charles Kennedy and local MP Sue Doughty have cancelled their trip to Guildford Children's Centre on Thursday 10 March due to unprecedented interference by Conservative County Councillors.

Sue Doughty MP had organised the visit with the head of the Children's Centre. Charles Kennedy was very much looking forward to seeing the excellent work which the Children's Centre does with local children and parents, as well as meeting some of the older local residents over lunch.

In an unprecedented move, the Leader of Conservative-run Surrey County Council attempted to take over the running of the visit and invite two Conservative County Councillors along, and the Conservative and Labour Parliamentary candidates as well.

Sue Doughty said, "Charles and I are deeply disappointed that we had to cancel the visit. It is common practice for MPs of all parties to arrange fact-finding visits to their constituencies. Interference like this from the Leader of a County Council is unprecedented. He is re-writing the rules as he goes along."

"The staff at the centre as well as users of the centre are also disappointed that they have missed out on this wonderful chance to showcase the very valuable work the centre performs in the local community."

"I will be pursuing this matter further with the appropriate authorities. The behaviour of the Conservatives is a clear sign of desperate electioneering."