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.Brian Downing embarked on his reign as chairman of Surrey in placatory fashion last night, doing his level best to quell the members' revolt by stressing the need for 'greater communication and democracy'. He also appealed for an end to the unrest stemming from players and members alike since the sacking of the coach, Geoff Arnold, last autumn.
'The past is gone and we don't want to be opening old scabs,' said Downing, who is also the Test and County Cricket Board's chairman of marketing. 'I saw the squad today and I can categorically dispel any rumours of discontent among the players.'
Arnold Long, the former Surrey wicketkeeper confirmed as one of four new members of the committee in the club's first such elections for 15 years, nevertheless compared an agitated AGM to 'a North Vietnamese brainwashing camp'.
Legal technicalities, Downing revealed, had invalidated the motion of no-confidence signed by 266 disillusioned members, but the secretary of the Surrey Action Group remains insistent that the battle is far from over. 'We'll be playing the democracy card to the hilt,' said Paul Ames, who missed joining the general committee by 21 votes. Three former players, Bob Willis, John Edrich and Dudley Owen-Thomas, were elected.
Alec Stewart, who took such umbrage at the circumstances surrounding Arnold's exit that he came within 24 hours of relinquishing the club captaincy, added pointedly: 'Anything we win over the next few seasons is down to Geoff.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments