Express & Star

My Black Country accent stopped me becoming Tory MP

One of two Tory councillors who crossed the floor to Labour claims she was restricted in where she could stand for Parliament because of her Black Country accent.

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Glenis Simms had sought the Conservative nomination in Dudley North in 2010 but lost out to Graeme Brown, who was eventually defeated by sitting Labour MP Ian Austin.

But Councillor Simms, who shocked her party by joining Labour last week, says the Tories had not wanted to put her forward outside of the West Midlands.

She was joined by another Tory councillor, Cheryl Billingham, who represents Kingswinford North and Wall Heath, in jumping ship. Both have seats that are up for re-election next May but have faced calls to immediately stand down and fight a by-election.

Mrs Simms, who represents Wordsley and was shadow cabinet member for children's services on Dudley Council, said: "I stood to be the prospective parliamentary candidate for Dudley North in 2010.

"I went to the parliamentary assessment board which cost me £250 for the privilege and when I got the letter through it said that I was restricted to West Midlands placements only. When I asked why I was told it could quite well be down to my accent."

Tory group leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the party would not discriminate against someone's accent.

He said: "Eric Pickles has a broad Yorkshire accent and he not only represents Brentwood in Essex but the Tories made him Secretary of State for Local Government.

"I understand how disappointing it is not to be selected. I was not put forward by the National Candidates Board to try to hold the Dudley South seat when Chris Kelly stands down. But that's life. You have to just dust yourself down and carry on fighting for the causes you believe in."

Meanwhile Kevin Billingham, Mrs Billingham's husband, has also resigned his Conservative membership.

Mr Billingham, aged 59, said: "I became disillusioned 12 months ago when grassroots Conservatives were referred to as 'swivel eyed loons' by an associate of David Cameron.

"The attitude of the Conservatives in Dudley means I will also be leaving and will support my wife."

Mr Billingham was chairman of the Dudley West Conservative Association and later the Dudley South association which replaced the former in a boundary review, for 10 years in different stints in the 1990s and from 2008 to 2012.

Although there are six months until the next election, Tories say the women should earn the support of residents and face a by-election.

Chris Kelly, Conservative MP for Dudley South, said: "I campaigned hard to get both ladies elected to the council. I believe that both councillors should immediately stand down and fight by-elections in their wards under their new party colours."

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