Leigh Park Tory Councillor Quits Over NHS Jab Threat
Leigh Park’s Tom Moutray has ditched the Tories in a dramatic fallout over the government’s looming plan to force NHS staff to get vaccinated or face the sack.
Since May, Moutray has served as councillor for Battins ward but has now gone rogue, slamming the compulsory jab policy as a violation of personal freedoms. The mandate, due to kick in April 2022, threatens frontline workers with dismissal if they refuse the vaccine.
Ex-Tory Councillor Refuses to Back Down
Despite pressure from his former party to quit, Moutray stands firm. He told Spotted Portsmouth: “I was supportive of a voluntary vaccination programme which did not exclude people from doing their chosen profession, which they may have spent years training for as well as tens of thousands of pounds in. I cannot stand behind a mandatory vaccination programme which I believe infringes on people’s rights to control over their own bodies.”
He confirmed he will stay on as an independent councillor, promising to keep putting residents first.
Tories Demand Moutray’s Resignation
But the Conservative brass in Havant are not having it. Council leader Alex Rennie and Havant Conservative Association chairman Edward Rees have called for Moutray to quit immediately. In an email leaked to Spotted Portsmouth, Rennie insisted local Tories share core values despite differing on some policies. Yet, he slammed Moutray for breaking ranks so soon after the election.
“Due to it being so soon since Cllr Moutray was elected, and as he made clear in literature his support for the vaccination programme, myself and Ed Rees have asked for him to resign as a councillor and reimburse the Havant Conservative Association for the cost we incurred on his behalf.”
Rees branded Moutray’s stance “shameful” and said he would welcome a by-election to replace him.
“The residents of Battins elected a Conservative councillor and to deny them that only six months after the election due to disagreement on a national policy that will save lives is shameful. Especially after he stood on a very clear manifesto, supporting the vaccination drive.”
He urged Moutray to “do the right thing and resign.” Moutray has not confirmed whether he will repay the association’s expenses.
What’s Next for Battins Ward?
Moutray snatched the Battins seat in May from Hampshire Independents’ Malc Carpenter, winning with just 430 votes in an election turnout of only 18.25%. Labour’s Jason Horton trailed behind with 221 votes.
The row raises fresh questions about loyalty, lockdowns, and local democracy – as one Tory breaks ranks to fight what he calls “government overreach.”
