A row has broken out within the local Liberal Democrat party after the Andover branch was closed – just days after an overwhelming vote by local members and supporters to keep it open.
At an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 27 May, members of the Andover Liberal Democrats voted 22 in favour and 1 against a motion to keep the branch open. The motion was proposed by former Test Valley Borough Councillor Robin Hughes, who also chaired the meeting.
But just one week later, on 3 June, Test Valley Lib Dem Chair Russell Theron issued a formal announcement that the Andover branch would be closed the following day, 4 June.
In a statement sent to Love Andover, Mr Hughes expressed frustration at the move and the lack of response from the executive:
“This was a formal vote at a properly convened meeting. The result was reported to the executive on 28 May. We have received no reply. Then on 3 June, the local party chair, Russell Theron, wrote to say the branch would be closed the next day.
“This is a massive two fingers up to the branch and to the supporters and members who voted to keep it going.”
The closure comes after a period of uncertainty for the local party. Mr Hughes had stepped in as Chair of the Andover branch after it had been without formal officers for several months. He arranged the EGM in accordance with party rules, securing participation from 23 voting members and supporters – all verified against the official membership list.
In the vote, attendees were asked:
“Do you want to support the Andover branch staying open?”
The overwhelming answer – 22 in favour, 1 against – reflected a clear wish from those present to keep the branch active.
But within days, that vote was set aside.
Mr Hughes said:
“We disagree with the decision and, bearing in mind the results of the vote, we are concerned that the executive has ignored the view of local members and supporters. As a Liberal Democrat, I am committed to localism and a strong belief in democracy.”
The issue is expected to be raised at the next Test Valley Lib Dem meeting on 27 June, where members may press for further answers.
Mr Hughes added:
“There will now be an item on the agenda of the next TVLD local party on Friday 27th June to discuss the Andover Branch closure. Something the Chair Russell Theron and Cllr Gwynne should have done in the first place.
“I am hopeful the democratically expressed wishes of Andover Members and registered supporters to keep their branch open will be respected. There is something in the name, Liberal DEMOCRATS that suggests that should be the outcome.”
We have approached Test Valley Lib Dem Chair Russell Theron for a response.