Fraud suspect, green firefighter, and former council leader among Kingston Council election candidates

The politicking began weeks, or even months ago, with a steady stream of leaflets, pamphlets and activists arriving at your door.

But the list of candidates published yesterday evening is the official starting gun on a month more of slogans, counter-slogans, promises and pledges as local men and women try to seize control of Kingston Council. Four years ago the Conservatives were convinced they had toppled the Liberal Democrats from power, only to suffer disappointment on the night as their rivals increased the number of seats.

This time around the cast of candidates is changing. One of the Liberal Democrats most senior councillors, Rolson Davies, will be among those stepping down at the local elections - scheduled for May 22. Mr Davies, 64-year-old lead member for finance and resources said he had made the decision to quit after the 2010 elections, in order to spend more time with his family.

Coun Davies is one of several high-profile and long-serving council members who will not be seeking re-election on May 22. Liberal Democrats Barry O’Mahony, another former deputy leader of the council, blind councillor and former Mayor Mary Heathcote, current deputy mayor Alan Dean, John Burgess, and Sharon Hartley will all be stepping aside.

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