South Downs Tory group enters ‘new era’ as it elects new officer at annual meeting

On March 28 around 100 members met at Sullington Parish Hall for its 19th Annual General Meeting.

In a report of the gathering it said: “There was a buzz around the hall as the meeting ushered in a new era for the association, under the leadership of Peter Griffiths, who was chosen by members to lead the association as the new chairman.”

Peter has been West Sussex County councillor for Hurstpierpoint since 2005. Most recently he has been the cabinet member for corporate relations. Before that he was the cabinet member for education and schools, responsible for ensuring all children, young people and adults in the community enjoy what he calls ‘whole life learning’, whatever their circumstances.

Following his successful election he said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been elected chairman at this moment in the constituency’s history.

“We have some major challenges ahead of us and I am confident that with our new, excellent officer team the association will rise to them.”

Also elected to the team were deputy chairman (political) - Deborah Urquhart (county councillor for Angmering and Findon); deputy chairman (membership and fundraising) - Ian Buckeridge; association treasurer - Pat Arculus (county councillor for Pulborough); district officer - Shirley Noble; district officer - John Barstow; and district officer - Tom Williams.

Following the AGM the new officer team met with Arundel and South Downs Nick Herbert MP, and association agent, Gary Markwell, and will now be producing a Strategic Plan which will detail how the Association will operate over the next twelve months.

Mr Herbert said: “I look forward to working with the new officer team and our agent, Gary Markwell, in this very important year as we run up to the district council elections and general election in May 2015. The increasingly good economic news gives the Conservative Party a strong platform to carry our message to local people.”