Independent ‘disappointed’ to withdraw name from elections

Gordon McAra, of Carron Lane, was standing for Midhurst as an independent in West Sussex County Council’s elections next month but has now withdrawn his name from the ballot due to pressures brought on by the pandemic.

Mr McAra, who also sits as a councillor on Midhurst Town Council and Chichester District Council, told this newspaper: “I’m really disappointed not to be a candidate in the county election next month.

“However I have to be realistic about the prospect of a single candidate delivering thousands of leaflets and meeting voters whilst Covid is still with us.

“I particularly wanted to offer the people in the division the chance to vote again for a candidate who is focused on representing our local community and not a political party.

“I know there are a lot of people who don’t like party politics so that is a shame.”

Mr McAra added: “Realistically I wasn’t going to be able to do the job that I wanted to do.”