Stewart Warns BRDC Members

In the wake of calls this week for BRDC members to vote for Stewart to retain his presidency but lose his powers as a club director, Stewart himself has upped the ante in his battle with club factions in claiming he will stay on as President only if his role is unchanged.

In a letter that Stewart has written to club members ahead of the May 12 EGM to vote on his future, he has warned that he is not willing to compromise on his future role with the BRDC.

"The Board, in their letter convening the EGM, have...expressed their support and I hope you will do likewise," wrote Stewart in the letter. "I have no desire to remain in office if that is not the wish of the majority of the Members of the Club, neither am I prepared to continue as President if I am required to rescind my Directorship. However, I will not give in to a vociferous minority."

Stewart's stance is clearly aimed at him securing the full backing of club members, after recent moves to pressure Stewart to resign were not accepted.

Stewart has also gone on the attack against certain club factions, and in particular former chairman Ray Bellm, for widespread criticism of the manner in which he has run the club over recent years.

"It is clear that this is a coordinated campaign of spin and dirty tricks. It is my belief that the misinformation has been generated through Mr Bellm and his supporters, since his removal from the Board.

"These lies are unacceptable in any organisation and are without doubt damaging to the Club, as well as the individual Members and professionals involved."

He added: "The vicious personal attacks against fellow Members, and the lies and spin, are an ugly and very unwelcome development, I would hope Members join me in standing up to them."