a bit more understandable that the Tories should be treating Oldham East and Saddleworth as if there was already a key by-election under way, as we see on ConservativeHome:
Judges declared void the result of the general election in Oldham East and Saddleworth, and the man who was elected as Labour MP, Phil Woolas, is awaiting the result of the judicial review he sought on the matter.
However, all the expectation is that the election will have to be re-run in a seat where the Conservatives were a very strong third behind the Liberal Democrats with 26.4% of the vote (Labour and the Lib Dems being on 31.9% and 31.6% respectively).
Whilst a Conservative candidate is not technically in place, Kashif Ali (pictured) - who fought the general election - has been readopted as parliamentary spokesman and it would seem unthinkable that he will not stand in the re-run election.
And although the fact that the local association website currently appears defunct is less than ideal, the Conservatives are nonetheless working away on the ground, knocking on doors and delivering leaflets.
Party co-chairman Baroness Warsi told ConservativeHome:
“Our campaign in Oldham is underway and we will be fighting for every vote. We have an excellent local campaigner and spokesman in Kashif Ali who has been working hard for the area for some time, and we look forward to the battle ahead. We’re building up our team in the area and we are already surveying local opinion. I look forward to pounding the streets of Oldham East and Saddleworth myself.”
Anyone wanting to help the Conservative campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth should visit the association office at 66 Chew Valley Road, Greenfield, Oldham, Lancashire OL3 7DB or email Caroline Dickinson or Dorothy Wonnacott.
but still...
10 comments:
I do hope that Gavin Millar, the advocate for Phil Woolas receives a fair hearing in the High Court.
Any reason why he shouldn't? Although, to be fair, the "Free the Old & Sad One" is one of the more pointless campaigns Labour has run recently.....
Anon 15.39 - this is not the point. The point is that Woolas has been presumed guilty and a non-person before the legal process has been exhausted.
Actually, this doesn't (yet) apply in criminal law. If it did we would not have an appeal system.
And 'Labour' isn't running a 'Free the Old and Sad one' campaign either. 'Labour' - ie, the hierarchy - those who insist on being obeyed - have buried him without the benefit of funeral rites.
Please keep up.
Someone who is found Guilty by a legitimate Court remains guilty until the moment they are determined to be innocent on appeal.
That's the state Woolas is in. Unfortunately, on my reading of the Judgement, I don't think he has got much reason to be optimistic about having the original decision overturned.
Sorry, Anon 23.26, that is not the point either.
The point is that the Labour Party is behaving as if there is no further legal process and as if a by-election has not only been called but is already well underway.
That is not the current situation.The Speaker of the House has not called a by-election because due process has not been exhausted. When it has he will. Neither will he have long to wait.
The outcome of the process whether for or against Woolas is not relevant. The point is that the Labour Party is behaving as if there is a by-election and there is not. There will or will not be one soon enough.
Question:
1) Woolas apparently lied about his opponent to win votes
2) Nick Clegg apparently lied about tuition fees to win votes
Whats the difference ?
Nick Clegg was not booted out of Parliament, nor was there legal process. Next?
Well Jane, you've dispatched that one!
Swat.
In the words of Johnson on Gray's Elegy 'What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed.'........
Maybe Clegg should be booted out ?
Quiz time.
In which year did the Labour party manifesto state the Labour party "will not introduce top-up fees and has legislated against them".
For a bonus point, how many months after that same election were they introduced by Labour ?
Answers on a post card to Anon 15:37
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