Zara is a Tory, born and bred (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Zara is a Tory, born and bred

TORY councillor Glenn Smith is celebrating the birth of his first child for more than one reason. Not only is he enjoying the delights of fatherhood, but in bringing a new baby into the world he has also boosted the membership of the Conservative party.

At the tender age of just four weeks old, baby Zara has already been signed up to Conservative Future, the Tories young conservative group.

Her father Glenn, 27, is a Conservative councillor for Covingham and Nythe and is married to nurse Helen, 28, who is also a member of Conservative Future.

Glenn, a software engineer at Motorola, said: "Helen and I both agreed that we would sign Zara up to the Tory party as soon as we could.

"Her application is being processed at the moment and her membership should come through soon.

"I'm not sure whether she's the youngest member the party has, but I'm glad we have started her on the right path from an early age."

Asked whether he would be disappointed if daughter Zara defected in later life, Glenn remains open-minded.

He said: "Of course, she will be entitled to make whatever decisions she wants to in later life, but I am confident she will always be a Tory.

"We will bring her up the Tory way so she has a good understanding of traditional family values.

"I hope she will always remain involved with the Conservatives."

Zara was born at Malmesbury Hospital on March 10 and weighed 7lb 10oz.

Her parents, who were married last September in Cornwall, are considering dressing her in all-blue Tory baby outfits.

They have not yet decided whether they will be adding to their family and the Tory party again in the near future.

Glenn, of Rannoch Close, Sparcells, has been a member of the Tory party since he was 20 years old.

Last year, aged 26, he became one of the youngest members on Swindon Council following the borough elections in May.

He caused an upset by taking Covingham and Nythe from Labour with more than 50 per cent of the vote.

It was the first time the Tories had held the seat in 20 years.

His council duties now include transport, environment and culture.

elidbury@newswilts.co.uk