Thursday 12th June

The recent revelations over John Howell’s links to developers have been met with more half-truths. Whilst the Conservatives are keen to accuse the Liberal democrats of “dirty tricks” in publicising these links, they also claim “Only the Conservatives oppose building on the South Oxfordshire green belt”(1). Yet the Green candidate in the Henley by-election, Mark Stevenson, has consistently opposed it – including it in the Green Party’s campaign in last year’s District Council elections. The Green councillors in Oxford City and on the County Council have also consistently argued against the proposed development south of Grenoble Road.

It seems unlikely that Mr Howell, a County councillor for the very division in which Mr Stevenson lives and campaigns was unaware of this. If he is genuine in his desire to preserve the greenbelt, surely he should know who his allies are? The proposal to develop the greenbelt is being driven, in part, by the Labour controlled Oxford City Council, any campaigner worth his salt would know which City Councillors were opposed to it. So why has Mr Howell failed to acknowledge the Greens?

Mark Stevenson, the Green candidate for Henley, said “The Tories and the Lib Dems want to portray this as a two-horse race – they are both desperately courting the green vote whilst trying to pretend that there isn’t one! Mr Howell cannot have been unaware of the Green Party’s opposition to development in Oxford’s greenbelt. This is the second time Mr Howell’s campaign has made a false claim and for him to accuse the Lib Dems of “dirty tricks” is simply hypocritical.

We all know that this is precisely the kind of insincere behaviour that brings politics into disrepute. All we need and all we want is politicians who will work together for the common good. So I am happy to acknowledge all the good work John Howell, as a County Councillor, has done on our behalf. In return I would appreciate recognition of my work and that of the Green Party.”

ENDS

(1) Henley by-election: Tory candidate lobbying for planning firm while backing green belt, David Hencke Westminster  correspondent, guardian.co.uk, Wednesday
June 11 2008


Contact:
Mark Stevenson, 01865 341 838 or 07946 891 826