DRUG-TICKET WOULD-BE COUNCILLOR OVERWHELMED

CANNABIS campaigner Marcus Davies saw his hopes of becoming a
councillor go up in smoke last night. But Mr Davies, who polled 85
votes for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance in the East ward, said he was
pleased with the support he received and may now even run for Parliament.

'I'm overwhelmed I got five per cent of the votes cast," he said,
"but that is how many people are estimated to be regular cannabis
smokers. I just wish the casual users had voted for me as well.

"I had a fantastic level of support from people on the street, and
most people were sympathetic, although that was not the response I
wanted.

"I imagined there would be out right hostility or full support - not
people saying they feel sorry for me.

"Although I never had any intention of becoming a councillor I have
enjoyed myself, and as we are due a general election it may be
possible I will be running again soon."

In the main political contest in Mr Davies' East ward, the sitting
Labour councillor, Mark Edwards, was ousted by Conservative Mark Collins.

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CONSERVATIVE GAIN

Votes: 893
Majority: 377
Turn-out: 28%

Analysis: Marcus Davies, who stood on a 'legalise cannabis' ticket, failed to
have any impact on the result - another disappointing result tor Labour.

Others: Christopher Albert Plaisted Edwards (Labour) 516

Marcus Davies (Legalise Cannabis Alliance) 85