Apology demanded from David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden)

Apology demanded from David Davis

April 28, 2010 6:25 PM

Cottingham Methodist Church, Hallgate

Father Oliver Coss, an Anglican priest from Cottingham, has asked for an apology from former Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, the Conservative candidate for Haltemprice and Howden. (Yorkshire Post 27/4/10) This request for an apology arose from an astonishing confrontation during Cottingham Market on Thursday 15th of April. Mr Davis was campaigning there when Fr Coss approached him with a personal invitation to a hustings arranged by the Cottingham Churches. Earlier written invitations had been made through the Conservative Headquarters in Willerby, but Mr Davis' agent had informed Fr Coss that Mr Davis could not attend. Fr Coss, accompanied by the Vicar Father Paul Smith, hoped a personal invitation might persuade Mr Davis to change his mind.

But, after an exchange of pleasantries, Mr Davis is said to have loudly accused Fr Coss of being a Liberal Democrat and, Fr Coss claims, began poking and prodding him when the invitation to the hustings was made. All this was in full view of shoppers, market traders and parishioners. Fr Coss has now asked for an apology both for the prodding and for being called a Liberal Democrat, especially as he considered himself to be a Conservative voter at the time. Fr Coss, as a keen Facebook user posted a message about the incident. He is now rethinking his support for the Conservatives.

The hustings will be held on Sunday May the 2nd at 5.00 pm at the Methodist Church Hall in Hallgate. It will chaired by Richard Frith, the Bishop of Hull Jon Neal, Liberal Democrat PPC for Haltemprice & Howden, will be attending as will all the other candidates except David Davis.