Equality Commission Chief Criticises Woolas Leaflets

One of the controversial leaflets.

The head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has entered the row about the general election literature of Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas. Trevor Phillips, himself a former Labour politician, has described some of the language used in the party’s leaflets here as “not helpful.”

The beaten Liberal Democrat candidate Elwyn Watkins, who lost to Mr Woolas by just 103 votes, has said false claims about him were made in the leaflets, which were circulated in the last days of the bitterly-fought campaign. Mr Watkins was particularly angry about allegations that he tried to woo Muslim extremists, as well as claims about the financing of his bid for office. He’s begun a legal attempt to try to force a re-run of the election.

Mr Phillips was responding to a letter from Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes. Cllr Sykes, who was beaten by Mr Woolas when he stood for the Lib Dems in Oldham East and Saddleworth back in 2001, lodged a complaint with the Commission on 4 May, two days before polling day.

Cllr Sykes wrote: “In a Borough where memories of race riots are still fresh in people’s minds, I believe that this type of inflammatory literature is incredibly detrimental to community relations and promoting equality.” He asked Mr Phillips to make an “impartial assessment” of the contents of the leaflets.

Cllr Sykes went on: “We have worked hard in Oldham to build connections and understanding between communities and I do not want to see that undermined by the actions of any candidate in this election, especially one who has been the MP in our area for 13 years.”

In his reply dated 2 June and released to the media by Cllr Sykes today, Mr Phillips wrote: “I agree with you that some of the language used in the election publications you sent me is not helpful. The Commission has a mandate to promote good relations and as such encourages everyone, including political parties, to use language which will not cause misunderstandings or undermine community relations.”

He continued: “It is particularly important that the language used in the cut and thrust of political debate is not discriminatory or cause offence.” Mr Phillips said he had forwarded the letter from Cllr Sykes and the leaflets to the Electoral Commission.

Mr Woolas surprised many observers by hanging on to his seat last month, when even some members of his own party had privately admitted they expected him to lose. After Mr Watkins announced his legal complaint, Mr Woolas accused his Lib Dem rival of “sour grapes,” adding that he thought Mr Watkins was being a “bad loser.”

A Saddleworth News article about Mr Watkins’ legal challenge can be viewed here, and there’s full coverage of the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency here.

Some of the leaflets in question can be viewed at The Straight Choice website here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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