WITHIN days of the resignation of its former chairman, St Albans Conservative Association has a new man at the helm. Martin Saunders, who has been more closely associated with Hertsmere than St Albans in the past, was voted in by the executive council of

WITHIN days of the resignation of its former chairman, St Albans Conservative Association has a new man at the helm.

Martin Saunders, who has been more closely associated with Hertsmere than St Albans in the past, was voted in by the executive council of the local association at an emergency meeting called on Tuesday night.

He replaces Seema Kennedy who resigned in the wake of last week's bid to deselect St Albans MP Anne Main.

Mr Saunders' background includes serving as director of finance for Conservative Central Office in 1997 after which he went on to become a Hertsmere borough councillor.

He is also a former Mayor of Hertsmere, a former chairman of Herts Area Conservatives and former leader of Hertfordshire County Council.

Asked why members had chosen a man known for his strong links with Hertsmere, Mrs Main said: "Martin is well-known to our members as a man with gravitas who has vast experience in local politics and we felt that was precisely what was needed after recent events."

Mr Saunders, 67, of Watford Road, Radlett, said "At the special general meeting of the association last week over half the membership attended and overwhelmingly supported Anne Main. It was a resounding result, with many people testifying to Anne's sterling work as a hard working local MP. We shall be moving forward positively now with an invigorated officer team."

At the same meeting Bryan Rigby was appointed as Agent for Mrs Main.

Mr Rigby said "Anne's candidacy was fully endorsed and that is the official view of the party. Any dissent from that result should be seen as simply the expression of a personal opinion. Anne had many letters of support from members and non members alike and it is now time to get on with the real job of working as a team on behalf of St Albans.