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05/11/2010
Oldham East Election To Be Re-Run
The election of the Oldham East and Saddleworth election is to be re-run, a court has announced.
It was ruled that former Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, knowingly made false statements regarding his Liberal Democrat rival.
Mr Woolas' General Election win, by 103 votes, has now been declared void.
The legal challenge was launched, by Candidate Elwyn Watkins, using a rarely-used election law in response to pamphlets produced by the Labour team.
Two High Court judges, at the specially convened election court, heard how he sought to "make the white folk angry" by suggesting there was a Muslim campaign to kick him out.
During the hearings, Mr Watkins' QC Helen Mountfield, said: "Mr Woolas' team had made an overt and, some may say, shocking decision to set out to 'make the white folk angry' by depicting an alleged campaign by those who they described generically as Asians to 'take Phil out' and then present Mr Watkins as in league with them.
She accused Mr Woolas of making "false statements as part of a series of reckless and irresponsible steps in this campaign - using doctored photographs, misrepresenting facts, stooping even to fomenting racial divisions and tensions".
(BMcN/GK)
It was ruled that former Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, knowingly made false statements regarding his Liberal Democrat rival.
Mr Woolas' General Election win, by 103 votes, has now been declared void.
The legal challenge was launched, by Candidate Elwyn Watkins, using a rarely-used election law in response to pamphlets produced by the Labour team.
Two High Court judges, at the specially convened election court, heard how he sought to "make the white folk angry" by suggesting there was a Muslim campaign to kick him out.
During the hearings, Mr Watkins' QC Helen Mountfield, said: "Mr Woolas' team had made an overt and, some may say, shocking decision to set out to 'make the white folk angry' by depicting an alleged campaign by those who they described generically as Asians to 'take Phil out' and then present Mr Watkins as in league with them.
She accused Mr Woolas of making "false statements as part of a series of reckless and irresponsible steps in this campaign - using doctored photographs, misrepresenting facts, stooping even to fomenting racial divisions and tensions".
(BMcN/GK)
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Broadcasters To Televise General Election Debates
The four broadcasters behind plans for televised General Election debates have published new proposals to expand the debates. The initiative follows talks with the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP. The debates would take place during the General Election campaign, with proposed dates of 2,16 and 30 April.
04 September 2009
UKIP Leader To Quit
Nigel Farage is to relinquish his leadership of the UK Independence Party to focus on carving out a career in Westminster. The South East region MEP is expected to announce his departure at the party's conference in Southport later.
UKIP Leader To Quit
Nigel Farage is to relinquish his leadership of the UK Independence Party to focus on carving out a career in Westminster. The South East region MEP is expected to announce his departure at the party's conference in Southport later.
21 March 2006
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
Labour to change party funding system
Labour's National Executive Committee is to take responsibility for party funding, following the recent row over 'loans-for-peerages'. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street, the NEC issued a statement saying that it would resume its "rightful responsibility" for overseeing all matters of party funding.
11 April 2005
Lib Dem leader's wife taken to hospital
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been forced to change his election campaign plans, after his pregnant wife was taken to hospital. Sarah Kennedy, who is due to give birth later this month, was taken to hospital today.
Lib Dem leader's wife taken to hospital
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has been forced to change his election campaign plans, after his pregnant wife was taken to hospital. Sarah Kennedy, who is due to give birth later this month, was taken to hospital today.
21 January 2005
Kilroy-Silk announces departure from UKIP
Former chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk has announced his departure from the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Mr Kilroy-Silk had been a member of the UKIP for nine months. He helped the party to gain third place in last year's European elections when he became an MEP.
Kilroy-Silk announces departure from UKIP
Former chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk has announced his departure from the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Mr Kilroy-Silk had been a member of the UKIP for nine months. He helped the party to gain third place in last year's European elections when he became an MEP.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
