Chris Philp has won his first public ballot in Croydon South: at a local debating society on Monday night.
“Fickle” Philp is the millionaire donor to the Tory party who was recently selected as Conservative parliamentary candidate for Croydon South, the ultra-safe Tory seat with a 15,000 vote majority.
He spoke for the motion that “Conservatism: the right direction for Croydon”, which was opposed by the former Croydon Central Tory MP, Andrew Pelling.
As might have been expected, Philp carried the evening, by 17 votes to 11, with four abstentions, assisted by the presence of local character, the always amusing Mario Creatura and three chums – once Creatura had nudged one of his mates to stay awake.
It was the first of the 2014’s monthly events staged by the Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society, which holds its meetings at the Old Coulsdon Centre, Coulsdon Road.
The next debate will be “No one has the right not to be offended”, proposed by Tony Blacoe, opposed by Richard Ackland, on February 3 from 8pm.
On March 3, starting at 8pm, the debate will be on the motion that “Government plans to commemorate World War One should not be a celebration”, proposed by John Bailey-Smith, opposed by Nick Jupp.
Further topics will be announced shortly.
- For more information about the Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society, contact the chairman, Angela Applin via email at angela.applin@yahoo.com
Coming to Croydon
- STDLCC Screening: Museum Hours, Jan 13
- “Croydon Communities Consortium” meeting, Jan 14
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Jan 16
- Croydon Ramblers, Chelsham walk, Jan 19
- STDLCC Screening: The East, Jan 20
- STDLCC Screening: Winter Nomads, Jan 27
- Babylon at the Spread Eagle Theatre, Feb 4-6
- Steve Knightly at Stanley Halls: Feb 5
- Purley Swimathon: Feb 8 and 13
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Feb 20
- Norwood Society talk, Upper Norwood Library, Mar 20
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, a residents’ or business association or local event, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
