Three More Croydon Labour Councillors Lose Seats in ‘Pelling Revolution’



Labour loyalists out, former Tories in

Three Croydon loyal Labour Councillors have been denied a seat, despite many years of service and devotion to the party. The news follows the public humiliation and deselection of popular local Councillor and vocal campaigner against domestic violence Karen Jewitt, a decision which shocked grassroots Labour party members across the country.

Labour members are said to be ‘terrified’ about losing their seats and are keeping quiet about recent developments for fear of upsetting Labour leader Tony Newman. Ms Jewitt’s sacking was communicated to Labour members and the public through Inside Croydon, a blog at which former Tory Andrew Pelling is Special Correspondent. It said she ‘fails to win selection’. 

Labour Values Out? Karen Jewitt has been denied a seat

Last night at the full Council meeting at Croydon town hall, Karen Jewitt, a familiar face in the Labour group and a popular figure even with the Conservatives, was not present. Ms. Jewitt gave her apologies, but local Conservatives tweeted that it was ‘sad’ that she felt she couldn’t attend.

The restructuring of the Labour group has been dubbed ‘The Pelling Revolution’ by local residents. Despite a career as a Tory Councillor, Tory MP and Tory GLA member, Andrew Pelling was selected for the crucial seat of Waddon.

It is widely expected that a Pelling victory in a ward that holds the balance of power will trigger an immediate cabinet promotion.