Published: Friday, 22nd May, 2009 7:26pm
A sad day for Bracknell
by Rose HarlandLocal Tories react to MacKay's decision to stand down Bracknell Conservatives have been reacting to the news that MP Andrew MacKayis to stand down at the next general election. Borough councillor Alan Ward,who was at last night's (Friday) public meeting and who was leader ofBracknell Forest Council when Mr MacKay was first elected in 1983, saidtonight (Saturday): "I am very saddened. I am sure the decision is entirelyhis own and that nobody else would have been involved. I had a call a littlewhile ago telling me the news."I have known him since he was the prospective parliamentary candidate here,which was then the East Berkshire constituency and although I did not startoff as a flag waver for him, gradually he won my respect by the way he hasbeen so willing to support individuals and organisations in the borough.He is the epitomy of a good constituency MP."I think part of the problem is that some of the people at the meeting lastnight have never seen what it's like to have an MP who is not so good."Mr MacKay has been Bracknell's MP for 26 years and held the seat in 2005with a majority of just over 10,000.He was jeered by some in the 400-strong audience but it is thought it wasthe number of people who said they were Conservatives voters, many of whomhe has helped over the years, who nevertheless said they could not bringthemselves to vote for him again that prompted Mr MacKay to announce thisafternoon that he would stand down.Cllr Ward said: "He was right to say that 25% of that audience wereattacking him and that 75% weren't but I think that 75% weren't reallysaying anything either way. Most of the people called to ask questions wereagainst him. I had my hand up all the time but I was never called and otherpeople who weren't called may have spoken in his favour as well."Bracknell Conservative Association must now find a new, strong parliamentarycandidate as soon as possible before the next general election which must becalled within 12 months.The vacancy will be advertised and a short list drawn up.Cllr Ward said: "The longer you have your candidate in place the liklier itis that they will be known to voters by the time the election is called."It's a sad day for Bracknell, our chances of getting somebody else as goodas Andrew may not be that high."
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