Ex-councillors accuse Gillan of 'HS2 surrender'

Jan 23 2012 By Lawrence Poole

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FORMER Tory councillors have joined demands for MP Cheryl Gillan to attend a public meeting in Great Missenden to explain her position on HS2.

The group is criticising the Chesham and Amersham MP for not coming out against the £33bn London to Birmingham route decision more staunchly.

It comes nearly two years after Mrs Gillan was cheered for opposing 'Labour's HS2' at a public meeting at The Misbourne School.

Keith Miles, former Conservative councillor for Great Missenden, said: "In view of statements made in the past in opposition to HS2 it is vital Cheryl Gillan comes to her local constituents and explains her position.

"She seems to have completely surrendered to pressure in the Government. MPs should not appear to have changed course just because they are in power."

Nick Brentnall, another former Conservative councillor for the village, said: "I am baffled by Cheryl Gillan's stance on HS2. Reports also tell us she has sold her house in Amersham which if nothing else is unfortunate timing.

"I do think she should come to Great Missenden to explain how she intends to represent the views of those who have loyally supported her in the past. Trust in politicians is at a low ebb and our MP's performance does nothing to counter this."

Seb Berry Independent councillor for Great Missenden, added: "The sense of betrayal in this area is palpable. Our MP continues to sit in a Cabinet which has delivered a devastating blow to local people and yet she refuses to condemn it.
"She needs to face her constituents and explain why she has reneged on the promises made to them while she was a very senior Shadow Cabinet member before the last election."

Transport secretary Justine Greening, who gave HS2 the green light, recently praised Mrs Gillan saying 'the Secretary of State did her job both as a Welsh secretary and as a constituency MP in talking to me about the benefits of the project, and I thoroughly agree with her we have ended up with the right line, with the right mitigation'.