Dirty tricks claims as Right-wing Tories attempt City of London coup

 
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Elections to London’s wealthiest local authority were being held today amid allegations of dirty tricks and fears of a coup by “militant” Right-wingers.

A group of candidates headed by Tory Mark Clarke hopes to oust a number of long-standing independent City of London Corporation members, sparking fears that the corporation’s centuries-old tradition of political neutrality will be wrecked, thereby harming its role as a global cheerleader for the financial institutions in the Square Mile.

Mr Clarke, who dropped off the Tory “A-list” of parliamentary candidates after failing to win Tooting in the 2010 general election, insisted there was “no kind of secret Conservative conspiracy” to seize control, but said there was a need to remove “dead wood”.

The elections are further complicated by the City Reform Group, which emerged in the wake of the Occupy anti-capitalist movement and wants candidates to pledge more transparency. In addition, Labour has openly run a slate of 10 candidates.

Dirty tricks claims were made after Mr Clarke sent voters a flyer drawing attention to the “high expense accounts” of two of his group’s rivals, Robin Eve and Ann Pembroke, and highlighting a possible conflict of interest affecting a third rival, Westminster Tory councillor Alastair Moss.

Mr Eve said the allegation of profligacy was “complete fabrication”. Mr Moss claimed he was subjected to threats to force him to step aside for Mr Clarke’s candidates, and promised the post of alderman if he complied.

Many of the candidates linked to Mr Clarke are involved in the Young Britons’ Foundation or the Right-wing Trade Union Reform Campaign.

Mr Moss said he believed the YBF aimed to use the corporation as a platform to promote Right-wing, anti-Europe views. But Mr Clarke said: “Unless new people come in and stand openly for office, this place is going to become a geriatric ward.”

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