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Top Tory threatens to quit party over HS2
The chairman of Aylesbury Conservative Association has threatened to quit the party if the Government ploughs ahead with its high-speed rail plans through the Chilterns.
Paul Rogerson said: "It is a long way off but if there is no merit in the scheme and it just does harm then I can't see why I would want to support the party which is pushing ahead with it."
Mr Rogerson has been association chairman for three-and-a- half years and actively involved with the Tories for more than 10 years.
"It is not an easy decision, it is a very difficult one to make," he admits.
He said his colleagues should also consider following his lead.
"I think most people have nailed their colours to the mast in opposing this scheme, it puts us in a very difficult position.
"It is the biggest thing that could possibly hit home and I am sure others, if they have not thought about it (resigning), then they should be."
Mr Rogerson, who represents Icknield and Bledlow at Bucks County Council, said if the proposed route does go ahead, canvassing for the Conservatives at the next General Election would be 'plain wrong'.
"Here one day we would be saying this and then here another day we would be saying something else and that does not merit any support for us as people, which is why I feel the way I feel."
But he added: "I still think the best way of fighting it on behalf of our residents is from within the party. As long as we can oppose it, it is fine – it is if it becomes a reality that it then becomes the time to part."
All three major parties support the principle of high-speed rail.
The current route was proposed under the old Labour government and so far the coalition has not formally announced its preferred route.
Aylesbury MP David Lidington has pledged to vote against the proposed route – even it means losing his ministerial job.
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Weather for Aylesbury
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
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