Former Tory Croydon Central MP Andrew Pelling joins Labour fundraiser (From Your Local Guardian)

Former Tory Croydon Central MP Andrew Pelling joins Labour fundraiser

11:31am Monday 17th November 2008

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Former Conservative MP Andrew Pelling attended a Labour fundraiser on Friday, cocking a snook at his former party.

The Croydon Central MP’s surprise appearance at Councillor Gerry Ryan’s event at the Croydon Hilton is sure to upset former Tory colleagues who he has recently accused of “snubbing” him at official events.

The 49-year-old was at the event with his daughter, who has joined the Labour Party, and was described by her dad as a “red star”.

Mr Pelling, who has been involved in Tory politics in Croydon for 26 years, was snapped laughing and joking with Ken Livingstone, the epitome of socialism for many.

He said: “Ken Livingstone was really so generous and very kind in his remarks and Malcolm Wicks MP was side splittingly humorous about me. It was good to laugh about it all.

“I have found the opportunity to make many good friends in the Labour and trade union movement. I respect, in a non-partisan way, what many local Labour politicians have done for our town and it seems that this goodwill is strongly reciprocated.”

He revealed he has been offered the chance to work with Mr Livingstone to try and make the Crystal Palace Tramlink extension a reality.

He added: “I am, over the remaining months up to the general election, very happy to work within anyone and everyone who has an interest in putting Croydon's interests first regardless of party.”

Mr Pelling admitted in an exclusive interview with the Croydon Guardian last month how he felt betrayed by the Conservatives over their handling of his brush with the law.

Despite no charges being brought after his second ex-wife Lucy accused him of assault, the Conservative Party withdrew the whip and has not offered it back.

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