SOUTH West Surrey Conservative Association is attempting to oust John Ward, a former mayor of Farnham and outspoken objector to the current East Street scheme, from the party - it has been claimed this week.

In a letter seen by The Herald, apparently co-signed by five Farnham town councillors and sent to other local representatives, it is claimed discussions have been held by the association with the aim of "removing the Conservative whip" from Mr Ward.

Removing the whip is considered the ultimate sanction for a member of any political party, and in Mr Ward's case would spell an end to his membership of the Conservative party, leaving him to see out the remainder of his term as an independent councillor.

The letter - co-signed by councillors John Ward, Carole Cockburn, Roger Steel, Jill Hargreaves and the deputy mayor of Farnham Paddy Blagden - lays bare the deep divisions within the local Tory group, particularly in regard to the proposed East Street development in Farnham.

For full story, see this week's Farnham Herald.