Chatteris Town Council candidate withdraws

5.15.00pm GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats are sorry to announce the withdrawal from the election to Chatteris Town Council of candidate Dawn Stockdale, who has reluctantly decided to step down following continued pressure from a small number of individuals.

Chatteris Liberal Democrat Chris Howes said: "I was disgusted to learn that Dawn received a series of threatening and intimidating calls immediately her candidacy was announced. Such bullying is disgraceful and I am hopeful that Dawn will decide to report this persecution to the police."

When contacted by Ms Stockdale, Chris Howes promptly telephoned the Conservative Agent Debbie Clark, who apparently tried to bring matters under control, but unfortunately the harassment persisted until the time that Ms Stockdale went to Fenland Hall and handed in her withdrawal papers.

Chris Howes added: "Whilst I believe that Debbie Clark did try to put a stop the offensive calls, I was not very pleased to be informed by her that if I were to report the matter to the local newspapers she would sue me. I consider that this too, was intimidatory."

The Liberal Democrats have decided that rather than introduce a replacement candidate, they will now contest just one of the two available town council seats, their remaining candidate being Diane Baldry who held a Chatteris Town Council seat from 2003-2007.

Chris Howes is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Fenland District Council seat vacated by the late Councillor Ray German.