Tory faithful desert Taylor over expenses

May 26 2009 By Vicki Eltis

Members of the Esher and Walton Conservative Association say they will not vote for MP Ian Taylor at the election, following revelations about his expenses.

Mr Taylor, who has been a member of Parliament since 1987, remained defiant last week in the face of calls for his resignation after his claim of £23,000 last year for a second home in Victoria, London, was made public.

The MP lives in Guildford but argues he needs a second home in the Capital - funded by the taxpayer - due to irregular hours at Parliament which see him working until 10pm at night.

Leslie Howard, 72, of Adelaide Road Walton, is a member of the Walton Conservative Association, along with his wife. But now he says they will not be voting for Mr Taylor again.

He said: "Mr Taylor has had a 7,000 majority. The thing is he's been in a good position. The Esher and Walton area has the biggest incline of private estates and we are truer blue than any blue in the country.

"But now we are hoping he doesn't get in at all. I might as well stand, why not? I am an honest man. How can we trust out own member until the electoral system and expense rules change."

Alan Donaldson, 62, of Stompond Lane, in Walton, is also a member and said he would not vote. He added: "I think there is a real chance that Taylor could lose this safe seat if he stands against an independent candidate.

"I am also appalled by the revelations about Philip Hammond and David Wilshire, who seem to have been cheating the system in exactly the same way as Ian Taylor."

Mr Taylor spoke out last week to say he had the second home to do his job properly in both Westminster and in his constituency and that he had not broken any rules, claiming money which he was allowed to.

However, the expenses published show that since 2004 he has came joint first in claiming the highest for a second home in four years.

Chairman of the association Chris Platt confirmed today the association had not received any calls from members about Ian Taylor being deselected.

A spokesman said: "Ian Taylor was selected as candidate the year before last. So far we know Ian Taylor has not done anything wrong or broken any rules. We will all have to wait and see for the full expenses to come out in July."

The spokesman said Mr Taylor was honourable but also stated if there was any rules broken then the next step would be for the executive council to decide.

The next meeting for the committee is due to be held next month.