An anonymous Conservative councillor has broken ranks to disclose a confidential document in defence of another councillor who dramatically left the Tories last week.
In a shock announcement on Wednesday, September 24, West Hill councillor Malcolm Grimston said he was leaving Wandsworth’s ruling party amid concerns Southfields Library could close.
A council spokesman was quick to reply: "There are absolutely no plans, at all, to close Southfields Library or any other library in the borough."
However, an anonymous Conservative councillor broke ranks after seeing the council’s response, and contacted the Wandsworth Guardian disclosing a private and confidential Conservative Party document that reveals a number of proposed savings, including "consideration of closure of non-town centre libraries".
Southfields Library
Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said: "Of course, we always look at every possible savings option but reject any that would be unacceptable. There are absolutely no plans to close Southfields Library or indeed any other library in the borough.
"In the case of Southfields, some people may be getting confused about its temporary closure next month while we repair its roof. We are investing around £20,000 in a new roof for the library and we would hardly be spending this money if we were then planning to close it down."
Despite the council’s assurances for the future of Southfields Library a campaign has been launched and is being run by Rob Richman, who stood for Southfields Ward in this year’s council elections, and Coun Grimston.
The campaign also sees the launch of a new political idea, the Wandsworth Independent Alliance.
The alliance will be made up of independent councillors and other community activists, who will use their own judgment and put the community first, rather than voting how the party tells them.
The Wandsworth Independent Alliance is urging residents to support their campaign by emailing mgrimston@wandsworth.gov.uk or visiting savesouthfieldslibrary.co.uk
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