The Deputy Leader of Stockport’s Conservative Group, Cllr Maureen Walsh, has this week resigned from the Conservative Group, leaving local Tories in disarray.  She now sits as an Independent on Stockport Council.

Having got to know Maureen over the last few months, I personally feel  angry at how she has been treated, and how local Tories have tried to cover their tracks and pretend there’s nothing wrong.

There are some councillors you respect, whichever side of the chamber they’re on, and Maureen is one of them.  She’s represented her ward of Bramhall North well and done a great deal of charity work through the Council, raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

I understand Maureen is going to put out her own leaflet to put the record straight, so incensed is she at how she’s been treated.

Here’s what we’ve said in our latest leaflet to North Bramhall and Hazel Grove:

Bramhall residents have been stunned by the news that popular local councillor Maureen Walsh has decided to quit the Conservatives.

Cllr Walsh, who has represented the Bramhall North area for 10 years, has decided to leave the party after a string of disagreements which have left local Conservatives deeply divided and in turmoil.

In a sign of desperation, the Tories have now selected a candidate for the local elections in May who doesn’t even live in Bramhall!

Cllr Walsh meanwhile is so upset, she is circulating her own message to local residents which directly contradicts the ‘spin’ the Tories have tried to put on the chaos.

Rather than say more at this stage, I’d prefer to wait for Maureen’s own words