Former Wisbech mayor announces he is rejoining Tories nine years after he left the party

A former Wisbech mayor who has been an independent councillor for the past two years has announced he has rejoined the Conservative party.

Nick Meekins, who represents the Peckover Ward in Wisbech on Fenland District Council, and also on the town council, left the Tories in 2012 for "personal reasons".

In a press release issued tonight (Monday) Councillor Meekins said: "Some people may be surprised that I have rejoined the Conservative Party which I left in 2012 for personal reasons.

"Although I’ve always basically retained Conservative principles, in 2019 I decided to stand as an independent.

"I truly believe that it’s important that decisions in our local councils are subject to due questioning and challenge, and there need to be checks and balances in place. I’ve come to realise over the last two years that the most effective way that I can contribute to that process is as a member of the Conservative Groups on both Fenland District Council and Wisbech Town Council.

"I’ve acted constructively and collaboratively over the last two years from the opposition benches, I’ve generally been pleased with the way both councils have been run by the Conservatives and I’d like to contribute further to the councils, both for the residents I represent and for the area as a whole.

"I feel the best way do this is as a member of the Conservative Party. My main aim continues to be to work for the people of Peckover Ward as I have done for the past two years – answering correspondence promptly, following up their queries and reporting back to concerned residents.

"Once the pandemic allows I hope to go back out with the police doing parking and speeding work, with Streetpride doing litter picks, the Peckover Estate User Group and also holding more ward surgeries."

Councillor Meekins decision means Conservative group on Fenland Council now holds 26 seats, there are now nine independent, two Lib Dems and one Green.