David Wilshire 'not fit to be an MP' says ex-pal

Jun 30 2009 By Adam Courtney

A FORMER canvassing partner of David Wilshire has warned the under-fire MP his "safe" Spelthorne seat is under threat because of the expenses row.

In a withering attack, former Tory councillor Jim Maxwell, who fought four elections with Mr Wilshire over a 16 year period, says the MP is no longer fit to hold the seat and had doubts about him from day one.

He says Mr Wilshire is unwilling to meet constituents face-to-face and always has been 'insincere' and 'complacent that his seat is bombproof' and is known as 'The Seldom Seen Kid' for his lack of visits to the borough.

Mr Maxwell, who stood for UKIP at the recent local elections, drove around Mr Wilshire canvassing at four elections but says he never got a word of thanks, apart from a tankard in 1992.

The former policeman, of Russington Road, Shepperton, said: "I used to drive him and other councillors around in what he called the 'battle bus' but I began to have doubts about him almost immediately – he seemed insincere.

"For example, we used to knock on doors in groups but he never wanted to be seen with a 'strong' councillor who was well known – I think he thought it would take away some of his own kudos.

"He never seemed to like facing peoples' issues face-to-face. He would shy away from confrontation. That's why it's no surprise to me he won't hold a public meeting over his expenses."

Mr Maxwell thinks it is time for a change in MP and believes the disillusionment, even among staunch Tories, means this could well be Mr Wilshire's last term.

"People have long been unimpressed with his performance and the expenses will tip them over the edge," he said. "He has never really had his heart and soul in the job – I think he thought it was a safe seat which negated the need for him to show his face. He can send newsletters until the cows come home but does he actually know what people want? Do people know what his policies are?

"We badgered and badgered him to move to the borough but he never has and I can count on one hand the amount of times he's come to the borough to actually meet people.

"I believe people are that peeved that a good candidate could unseat him. Some of his expense claims are a disgrace."

Mr Wilshire, who has homes in Somerset, Hanworth Park and London, said he was "saddened" to learn of the comments, launching a robust defence of his performance and claiming he shops, eats and drinks locally.

He said: "I have known Jim for many years and consider him a friend and am saddened as his comments are totally incorrect. Jim has seen me and helped me put my heart and soul in to my job for 60+ hours per week for 22 years – for which I am very grateful.

"Jim knows I spend huge amounts of time meeting constituents – at regular advice surgeries, at frequent Meet Your MP Evenings, on doorsteps when canvassing, when I visit schools/businesses/organisations/charities, fetes, regattas etc. He has been with me on some of these occasions."

Spelthorne Conservative Party chairman Graeme Reid added: "I can assure you I never ceased to be amazed by the very high regard in which our MP is held, by both our own supporters and more surprisingly among Labour and even Liberal supporters.

"After some 22 years in office, there will always be a few disgruntled souls, and those former Conservative councillors who thought they were greater than their party tend to be in the vanguard."