Ken Rhatigan, former leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, not approved to stand as Conservative candidate in 2024 local elections

The former leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has not been approved to stand as a Conservative candidate in next year’s local elections.

The North West Hampshire Conservative Association (NWHCA) has confirmed that Ken Rhatigan, Tory councillor for Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst, has not been approved to stand next year.

A NWHCA spokesperson stated: “The association does not comment on the decisions of its approvals panels, which consider all potential candidates for local office prior to selection and election.

“A Conservative candidate for the Kingsclere, Tadley North and Baughurst ward will be chosen ahead of the 2024 local elections, whom we hope will secure the support of the community in May.”

Mr Rhatigan, who was not pleased with the decision, is currently going through the appeal process to overturn it and is optimistic.

He said: “Obviously I’m working as hard as I can for both the party and everyone else, but I am not very happy that I have had to appeal.

“I can’t see the decision standing so I think it should all be fine in the end.”

He also suggested that the “option was open” for him to stand as an independent if the appeal didn’t go his way.

Mr Rhatigan led Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council from May 2019 until February 2022 when he resigned for personal reasons.