Libel fight could mean poll re-run

WOOLAS: Investigation

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OLDHAM East and Saddleworth’s general election could be re-run after the Lib-Dems candidate launched legal action against Labour MP Phil Woolas.

Elwyn Watkins has submitted a petition for a hearing of a rarely-convened election court, based on an alleged breach of Section 106 of the Representation of the People Act (1983).

Mr Watkins says Mr Woolas and his agent published false statements about him in campaign literature that affected the election result.

He said: “It is clear that Labour literature circulated within the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency contained numerous misleading and erroneous claims regarding my personal character and reputation, and that of my campaign.” Mr Woolas beat his Lib-Dems rival by 103 votes.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “It is obviously disappointing that the election was so close but that is the result and it is a shame that there appears to be these sour grapes. I am sorry to hear that my opponent is a bad loser.”