Veterans boo civic leader

11:34am Wednesday 2nd May 2007

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A councillor has been accused of trying to "hijack" a war veterans' reunion dinner to gain votes in this week's local elections.

Lewes District Council chairwoman Marina Pepper was booed off stage at the Royal Sussex Regimental Association's annual reunion dinner on Saturday.

More than 300 people packed into Lewes Town Hall for the event, during which Coun Pepper launched into a tirade against sending soldiers to an "illegal war".

Murmurs of discontent soon turned into heckles and booing before Coun Pepper, who was invited in her civic role as council chairwoman, left the stage and returned to her seat.

One former serviceman at the dinner said: "I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She got on to her feet in front of all these proud war veterans and started going on about how we shouldn't be in Iraq.

It's the last thing anyone wanted to hear.

"It started off as a bit of muttering under people's breaths then escalated into boos and full-blown heckling.

"There were roars of disgust all round. There was so much noise that eventually she had to sit down.

"I don't think it's right that she tried to hijack the dinner for a political purpose, especially in election week."

Bill Wood, secretary of the association's Brighton branch, said: "I think she just slightly misjudged her audience to be honest. Most of the people there know what it is like to serve on the front line, and they can see through something when it is politically motivated.

"She was implying that people should get out and vote on Thursday, which there was no need for. It was a case of wrong place at the wrong time for that sort of speech."

Last month in The Argus letters pages Coun Pepper described herself as the "Queen to her Prime Minister", referring to her civic role as council chairwoman in relation to Ann De Vecchi's political position as council leader.

Responding to the furore, Coun Pepper said: "I explained in my speech that I came as a peacemaker but that our armed forces have a vital role to play.

"I see myself as a future leader and was speaking as someone who cares about our communities.

"I have the utmost respect for every soldier who has served for this country, but they deserve more than to be sent into an illegal war. At no point in the speech did I mention Iraq, simply that I would never agree with sending soldiers to an illegal war.

"If our soldiers are going to lay their lives on the line it should be for a just cause.

"I got some boos but I would say it was a mixed response.

"There were people of all ages and many of them came up to me to shake my hand and agree with what I said.

"I did not use my invitation for political gain. All I wanted to do on Saturday was stand in front of those soldiers and say thank you.

"We are lucky enough to live in a country where we have the right to vote, stand for election and the right to freedom of speech - which was demonstrated that night."