Ewout Klok returns to the VVD. The former gas station owner from Ten Arlo has been nominated as the new chairman of the VVD Drenthe. And yet he canceled his membership after the elections.
Klok left the liberal people’s party because, against the wishes of VVD Drenthe, he was excluded from the electoral list for the House of Representatives elections. Reason: Klok was fined in 2012 for selling alcohol in his gas station. According to Klok, this was a trial process, with the approval of VVD minister Schippers. Furthermore, his Twitter behavior was an objection and he had been banned from driving for speeding.
He was angry about the fact that Klok was blamed for this offense, more than ten years later. “An administrative blockade was imposed on me by the nomination committee,” he said in conversation with RTV Drenthe.
According to a press release from the VVD Drenthe, ‘a very substantive and constructive conversation recently took place’ between Klok and national party chairman Eric Wetzels. The folds would have been smoothed out afterwards. “This conversation has led to the discussion points being expressed and it being agreed to use all energy to address the ideals of the VVD (and in particular the VVD in Drenthe).”
According to the new VVD chairman, the conversation with the VVD leadership was ‘very good’. “It has been expressed and apologies have been made for the entire procedure. We have come to the conclusion that we will move forward together.”
After his return, Klok received an offer from VVD Drenthe to make himself available for the regional chairmanship. “I’m happy with that. I have never been anti-VVD, but it was more about how I was treated.”
Klok has a long track record with the VVD. Between 2010 and 2015 he was chairman of the Drenthe department. He also served on the Hoogeveen municipal council for many years. With his years of experience as a petrol boss, he represents the interests of his sector in the Petrol Stations Interest Association (BETA). Klok’s term expires in July.
His predecessor, René Laan, was regional chairman of the VVD Drenthe for four years. He resigned from his position with immediate effect in October. Since then, the honors have been temporarily performed by Vice-Chairman Heleen Jurgens.