Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Head of Cameron’s local Tory branch resigns over gay marriage

 

Tom Peck
Sunday 24 February 2013 15:36 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The chairwoman of David Cameron’s local Conservative branch has resigned in protest at his support for gay marriage.

Cicely Maunder, 64, told the Sunday People: “I left after 34 years because of David Cameron’s support for gay marriage. I have no choice but to feel strongly about it as a Christian believer.”

Ms Maunder was the chairwoman of the Chipping Norton branch of the local Conservative Association.

Her decision is embarrassing for the Prime Minister who has a home in his Witney constituency not far from the town in Oxfordshire.

Last night a spokesman said Ms Maunder’s resignation “was not a matter for party comment”.

Ms Maunder said: “I’m a lifelong Conservative like my family before me. I’ve served the party half my life.

I’ll be a non-voter now. It’s very sad.” She said that the gay marriage issue had caught her unaware and that she had “no idea” why the Prime Minister opted to support it. “This wasn’t in the manifesto or the Queen’s Speech. It literally popped up from nowhere.”

She added: “I’m not anti-gay people at all. I fully agree with civil partnership rights. But most gay people will tell you that’s all they wanted and they don’t want gay marriage.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in