Field Grows Ahead Of Potential By-Election
Cllr Ken Hulme is considering standing if there's a by-election.
Even though we don’t know for sure whether there’s actually going to be a by-election here in Saddleworth, parties large and small have certainly been preparing for one. And the number of potential candidates is growing all the time.
Labour is in the uncomfortable position of waiting for the outcome of the appeal being brought by former MP Phil Woolas. He was stripped of his general election victory for deliberately telling lies about his Liberal Democrat opponent, Elwyn Watkins. The hearing is due to begin on Tuesday, with an outcome expected on Wednesday, so if he loses a by-election could be officially announced by the end of the week.
Mr Woolas would be barred from standing in a by-election, and besides he’s already been suspended by his party. That means Labour members would have to select a candidate very quickly as they seek to defend the seat they’ve held since it was created in 1997.
There are no such delays for Mr Watkins. Unsurprisingly, he was formally confirmed as the Lib Dem candidate within hours of the verdict just over a week ago. Since then, the Lib Dems have been by far the most active party, with plenty of volunteers out and about in Saddleworth helping to deliver leaflets.
If it comes to it, the Conservatives would also put forward the same candidate from the general election, Kashif Ali. Like Mr Watkins, he too has campaigned on a variety of issues between then and now. His strong performance back in May has turned Oldham East and Saddleworth into a genuine three-cornered battle.
Meanwhile, a familiar name from Saddleworth politics is considering entering any contest. Delph-based parish councillor Ken Hulme has said he’s thinking about standing as an independent, after receiving several messages from local people urging him to do so.
There’s been no decision so far from Respect, but that party’s most famous figure George Galloway is due to attend a public meeting in Glodwick this afternoon. Apparently the party will confirm after the meeting whether to put forward a candidate in a by-election, although it’s understood Mr Galloway wouldn’t stand himself.
As for the other parties which took part in the general election here, the BNP’s Alwyn Stott narrowly saved his deposit in finishing fourth. The party has promised to contest any by-election with a “high profile candidate and campaign” so it’s not clear whether Mr Stott would be chosen again.
Meanwhile, UKIP have confirmed that former MEP John Whittaker would be its candidate. He takes over from Shaw businessman David Bentley, who was fifth in May. There’s been no word yet from the other party which took part in the general election in Oldham East and Saddleworth, the little-known Christian Party.
However, all this talk of candidates and a by-election would be moot if Mr Woolas defies the odds and wins his appeal. Looks like there’s another unpredictable week ahead!
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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