THE Welsh Conservatives have electoral egg on their faces this week following the suspension of their support for the Tory candidate for this week’s by-election.

The humiliating climbdown followed public outcry after it came to light that the party’s candidate for the Drybridge ward by-election, Martyn Ford, had previously stood as a UKIP parliamentary candidate for Swansea West in the 2014 general election and released a controversial leaflet about the consequences of multiculturalism. It claimed that segregated Muslim communities “have proved a fertile breeding ground for Islamic extremists”.

In a statement, the Welsh Conservatives HQ, who “administratively suspended” Mr Ford said: “We in no way condone remarks made by him in the past. Our party works hard to reach out to, and represent, all communities and people from all walks of life.”

He remains a valid candidate for the Monmouth Town Council by-election in Drybridge Ward tomorrow (29th November).

If elected, Martyn Ford would have to serve as an independent councillor.

The returning officer for Monmouthshire County Council, Paul Matthews, told the Beacon that the candidate’s nomination was supported by the Conservative Party by the submission deadline, and details submitted on the nomination paper cannot be changed once the nomination period closes – unless the candidate dies.

“Membership of a political party is not for the returning officer to consider,”?he said. “The candidate had the support of his political party when it was required and due process has been followed.

“Consequently, the election will continue as normal without amendments to the ballot paper. 

“If the candidate is elected it’s likely he would serve as an independent, but elected councillors are able to change their affiliation to a political party at any time during the term of office.”

The other two candidates are: Lyn Tanner, Labour and Rachel Jupp, Indy.

Lyn Tanner’s campaign manager said: “Lyn Tanner has already been busy in the community. She is an experienced campaigner, is chair of Monmouth Labour Party and is the Monmouth Constituency Women’s Officer. Through her role as a housing support worker, she is well aware of the challenges faced by all.”

Speaking recently, she stressed the importance of being open, listening and being receptive to new ideas: “It is essential that councillors are known in their communities and genuinely reflect the views of electors, as well as providing a focus for community leadership.”

Rachel Jupp, the Indy candidate, is a local person with roots in Monmouth.

“My motivation for standing in this by-election is that I believe I can make a worthwhile difference to the lives of the people of Drybridge and to this town that I love,”?she said. “I am an independent and would use my independence on the town council to make decisions solely based on what I think is best for the citizens of Monmouth. I believe in putting people before parties, and place before politics”.

The by election for the one seat on the town council will take place on Thursday 29th November at Bridges Centre between 7am and 10pm. Anyone entitled to vote will have been sent an election notice.

The result will be known by 10.20pm that night.