News

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Folkestone and Hythe, Toby Philpott resigned as the party candidate on Sunday (13 May).

Shepway local party chair, Tim Prater, said: "Toby made a real contribution to our campaigning over the last few months. Just 10 days ago, the Liberal Democrats took control of Folkestone Town Council, and also form the largest opposition group on Shepway District Council.

"We accept his decision and understand how hard a choice it must have been to make. We wish him and his family all the best in the future."

The party had suffered at the recent district council elections after a surge of popularity for the Tories and the formation of the Shepway Independents who edged the Lib Dems into third place in several districts.

The Lib Dems are expected to wait a few months before starting a new selection process of choosing a new candidate for Folkestone and Hythe at the next General Election.