A LIBERAL Demorcrat East Hampshire district councillor has staggered colleagues by announcing that he is to join the local Conservatives. Chris Graham, district councillor for Ropley and Tisted, dropped his bombshell last week after what he described as "very careful consideration". Mr Graham won his seat in a 58 per cent turnout in May 2003, beating the Conservative candidate by 27 votes. In a statement issued last week, Mr Graham said: "I have come to the conclusion that my political ideals are better fulfilled by the Conservatives and not the Liberal Democrats. "I have not made this decision lightly. For some time I would have preferred to have voted for Conservative policies. I have a particular regard for their financial management of district affairs, which I believe have been of immense benefit to the residents of East Hampshire." Tony Ludlow, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at East Hants District Council, expressed his dismay at Mr. Graham's defection. "The local Liberal Democrats were extremely surprised and saddened to learn of the defection of Chris Graham to the Tory party, especially as he, in the past, has been vociferously against many of their policies. "It is even more unfortunate that those who elected Chris as Liberal Democrat are now to be represented by a Tory. No doubt they will make their feelings felt at the election next year." Speaking to The Herald this week, Mr Graham went into more detail about the reasons for his change of heart. "I have a family, and I wasn't particularly happy about the Winchester MP. I feel he should have resigned. "I'm happy to join the Conservatives. That's the way forward. They are good value for money. I still adhere to one or two of the Liberal Democrat policies, but there is momentum behind the Conservatives, and they have a very good chance of winning the next general election and getting rid of the government we've got at the moment. He also praised the new Conservative leader at EHDC, Ferris Cowper, for his "good ideas" on social integration and for putting money into community projects around the area. "I've been fair. I've stood down in the plenty of time and I've been upfront. I just think it was the right thing for me to do." Mr Graham - who has lent his support to a number of large projects in his ward, including the rebuilding of West Tisted village hall, Ropley's new sports pavilion, and affordable housing schemes - said he hoped people wouldnít change their views about him. "I work particularly hard as a councillor and I don't regard the job as politcal anyway. I hope people don't look at me any differently from being the Chris Graham who represents them. Everyone I've spoken to respects my decision." Mr Cowper has been pleased to welcome Mr Graham into his fold. "It takes a lot of courage and conviction to change your political allegiance, but Chris has typically gone further and he has made this step in the full glare of publicity as an elected representative. I think it's a great tribute to his personal qualities. "I expect Chris to bring many advantages to our group, not least his famous sense of humour, his understanding of issues facing the farming community and his down to earth logic. I'm sure we are in for a lively time in our group meetings." Mr Graham ended his written statement: "I would like to thank all those people within the Conservative Party who have made me feel so welcome, and similarly the various members of the Liberal Democrat organisation who helped me in my three years as a district councillor. "I hasten to assure all residents of Ropley & Tisted ward that I will continue to represent them to the best of my abilities."
