THE fall and rise of Croydon councillor, Helen Pollard, has been played out in Conservative circles over the past few days.
On Saturday, Cllr Pollard, wife of the council's deputy leader, Tim, saw her political castle come tumbling down when she was ousted by ward committee members as a candidate for Heathfield ward in May's council elections.
Despite having served the ward since 2006 and having the reputation of working hard for her constituents she was rejected in favour of Andy Stranack.
Mr Stranack, who lost to Steve Reed in the Croydon North by-election, announced last month he had been given the all-clear after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
He said he could now plan for the future and would seeking a nomination from the Conservatives to stand for the council in May, an ambition he has now fulfilled very quickly.
But Cllr Pollard left no time for grass to grow under her feet and by Tuesday had found herself a place among the candidates for Fairfield ward.
This time she was successful at the expense of Councillor David Fitze, who was also first elected in 2006 when the Tories took control of the council from Labour.
Cllr Pollard was remaining diplomatic after her victory, issuing a statement which said simply: "Naturally I was very disappointed not to be able to represent Heathfield after May.
"I am, however, looking forward to being a candidate in Fairfield. "The next four years will be an exciting time in Fairfield with the new developments in the town centre, South End and East Croydon."
