Three leaders in three months – Tory group in turmoil over UKIP fears

Labour has had its own problems in local government recently – but Merton Tories might just have outdone everyone, having gone through three leaders in just three months. The Wimbledon Guardian reports:

“Merton Conservatives have named their third leader in three months following a shock leadership election last night. Councillor Oonagh Moulton has been named the groups’ new leader after their former leader, Councillor Richard Hilton, ward member for Lower Morden, called a leadership election last week. Coun Hilton took up the position just six weeks ago after his predecessor Councillor Debbie Shears resigned from the post in March.”

Seemingly this hasn’t gone down well:

“Explaining his decision to call a leadership election last week, Coun Hilton said: “I was elected unopposed six weeks ago, as were both our previous leaders. But following the local election results last week, which saw the Conservatives take a hammering while UKIP raced up the polls, I want to offer our group a chance to vote me in again on a truly Conservative agenda I intend to push until our elections in 2014.” Messages posted on Twitter suggest deep divisions within the Merton Conservative Group. Councillor Rod Scott, who represents tweeted last night: “I’m supporting Cllr Richard Hilton for leader of Merton Conservative Councillors Group! Forward with good tory policies not back to failure.” He later added: “Merton Conservative Councillors tonight. We hit the iceberg! Lifeboats launching!””

So this group of Tories have gone into such a huge flap about UKIP they’ve starting flying through leaders like there’s no tomorrow. Certainly no parallels with their national party there. We’re sure Cameron is delighted to hear about this…