Conservative councillor quits over 'petty revenge' and 'ethical failings' in Bury Federation

Cllr Dene Vernon of Bury West has resigned from the Conservative Party, publishing a full statement alleging misconduct and internal breakdowns in local leadership.

Cllr Dene Vernon has stepped down from the Conservative Party, effective 1 July 2025, citing deep concerns over the direction and conduct of local Federation officers. His resignation comes with a damning written statement detailing what he describes as a betrayal of public service values and a culture of “petty revenge” and “disregard for members”.

Vernon, who has represented Bury West, now intends to serve as an Independent councillor. While affirming his continued support for Conservative values nationally, he said he could not stay under the current local leadership.

His full statement is published below:

Statement of Resignation from the Conservative Party
By Cllr Dene Vernon – 1st July 2025

After much reflection, I have made the difficult decision, along with other members and Councillors who feel the same way, to resign my membership of the Conservative Party and continue serving as an Independent councillor for Bury West.

This decision stems from a fundamental misalignment between our values and those demonstrated by the local Conservative Federation Officers. Also, I believe their actions undermine the integrity and moral standing of the party.

As a councillor, I have always sought to uphold the Nolan principles of public life and service to our community. However, I have become increasingly concerned that the local Federation’s priorities and actions no longer reflect these core values. Specifically, the Federation’s decision to appoint an officer to a senior role, who I believe poses a reputational and electoral risk to the party locally.

This resulted in an act of petty revenge, by a small group of officers, against the elected leader of the Councillor group. He had stood up against this appointment, in order to defend the reputation and integrity of the Conservative Party.

This non approval of his candidacy, denying local ward members the opportunity to have their say, in my view, prioritises internal politics over the moral and ethical standards that we should be guided by.

I entered public service to represent the best interests of Bury West and to champion the values of fairness, honesty, accountability and community service. I can no longer reconcile these commitments with the actions of the local Conservative Party officers.

For example, they ignored a petition signed by a significant number of members, that sought to bring forward a delayed AGM to elect the Executive. They made threats of legal action against local branch volunteer members that dared to speak up in support of the group leader. They made further unfounded complaints and an officer secretly recorded a branch meeting. This demonstrated a complete disregard for the views of members locally.

A convicted fraudster is now responsible for membership and finance in the local party.

As an Independent Councillor, I and my colleagues who have also resigned, will continue my dedication to serve the residents of Bury West, focusing on the issues that matter most to our community. I still believe in and support the traditional values and policies of the Conservative Party nationally and locally, on which I was elected. Unfortunately though, whilst the party locally is controlled by the current leadership, I cannot remain a member.

My focus remains on delivering positive outcomes for Bury West and ensuring that our community’s voice is heard.

Sincerely,
Cllr Dene Vernon
Bury West Ward

In response to this resignation, Bury Conservatives promptly published this below statement;

“It is of no surprise to us that Councillor Bernstein has chosen to resign the day before a disciplinary panel convened by the National Conservative Party is held. This panel was investigating multiple complaints of bullying, harassment, and intimidation toward members, councillors, and others.

If Councillor Bernstein anticipated the panel finding against him, resignation may have seemed the easier path than facing the consequences of his conduct.

If it is true that other councillors have chosen to follow him, that is disappointing. The Conservative Party is – and must remain – a party that upholds mutual respect, personal responsibility, and integrity. Anyone unwilling to uphold those values is not fit to represent the Party.

We note that when a Member of Parliament defected, Councillor Bernstein and others called for an immediate by-election. We therefore look forward to the by-elections we expect to follow and will fight them with the full strength of our team and values. Residents deserve representation from people who reflect their values – not individuals running from accountability.

We remain focused on working hard for the people of Bury, delivering on their priorities and standing up for the standards our residents expect from elected representatives.”