The following article appeared in the “Woking News and Mail” on 28th February 1974

 

 

Crogs in at West Byfleet

 

 

            After ten days of lively electioneering for a mock general election at West Byfleet County Secondary School, the self-styled Crog party, swept to power with a sizeable majority.

 

 

            Ian Craigan, the Education Reform Party, or Crog candidate gained his victory under a community politics banner.

 

 

            During his campaign he demanded the retention of the school in new buildings on the West Hall site, cheaper and more reliable public transport for students, and a revision and clarification of school rules.

 

 

            Craigan took 142 votes, well ahead of Peter Sewell, Liberal with 101 and Simon Pitfield, Conservative, with 88.

 

            Julian Summers, Independent Socialist, took 63; Julie Finch, Labour 36; Paul Biden, Equality for women, 40; and Nigel Streeter, British Nationalist, 5.

 

 

            An opinion poll had shown Conservatives and Crogs level.  An election surprise was that the Independent Socialist candidate beat the official Labour one.   It was felt the youngest candidate, Nigel Streeter, fighting on an anti-Common Market ticket, deserved more than his five votes.