A WANNABE Tory councillor has become the latest victim of the current economic turmoil after her business went into administration.

A WANNABE Tory councillor has become the latest victim of the current economic turmoil after her business went into administration.

Jan Rawlings, who is standing for the Conservatives in the Alexandra ward at Thursday's local elections, opened Jan's Madhouse, a children's play centre in March last year.

A statement released by the company, based in Ipswich's Cavendish Street, said it was placed into administration in February this year following “difficult trading conditions” over Christmas.

The statement read: “After a creditors meeting, the administrator has agreed the company should continue trading whilst seeking further investment or a sale of the business.

“It is understood there has been interest from potential investors and buyers so hopefully there will be an announcement soon.”

Mrs Rawlings said: “This is good news for us and reassuring for our many thousands of customers.”

The play centre employs 28 staff and boasts one of the biggest play frames in the country which cost £130,000.

News of the company's difficulties comes as economic conditions in the UK continue to slide.

New statistics show the economy grew by 0.4 per cent in the first three months of the year, down from 0.6pc in the last three months of 2007.

Mrs Rawlings is hoping to boost the Tory contingent on Ipswich Borough Council by booting Liberal Democrat Louise Gooch out of office.

Ms Gooch, who is responsible for environmental services at the council, won at the polls in 2004 with 802 votes to Labour's 661 and the Tories' 483 votes.

Other candidates for the seat are Martin Goonan (Labour) and Brenda Cavanagh (Green).

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