Menu
01/04/2004
Apologetic Tory MP regains party whip
The Tory MP who made a joke about the deaths of 20 Chinese cockle-pickers who drowned in Morecombe Bay last month has had the party whip restored.
Opposition Chief Whip David MacLean announced today Ann Winterton would be readmitted after apologising "unreservedly" to Conservative leader Michael Howard for her comments.
She made her joke at a dinner hosted by cross-party MPs in honour of Danish representatives on February 24. The Tory leader immediately expelled Mrs Winterton for her "completely unacceptable" joke.
In a letter to Tory leader Michael Howard, the MP for Congleton, said that media coverage of her remarks were not only "inaccurate" but reported "entirely out of context".
She added: "However, I apologise unreservedly for repeating in private conversation an offensive email circulating on the web. I now realise that unintentionally I caused the Chinese community distress and offence, and embarrassment for the Conservative Party; all of which I deeply regret.”
In a letter of reply to Lady Winterton, Mr MacLean said: “I have seen your letter to Michael of today’s date containing your unreserved apology, and in these circumstances I have restored the Whip to you with immediate effect.”
(gmcg)
Opposition Chief Whip David MacLean announced today Ann Winterton would be readmitted after apologising "unreservedly" to Conservative leader Michael Howard for her comments.
She made her joke at a dinner hosted by cross-party MPs in honour of Danish representatives on February 24. The Tory leader immediately expelled Mrs Winterton for her "completely unacceptable" joke.
In a letter to Tory leader Michael Howard, the MP for Congleton, said that media coverage of her remarks were not only "inaccurate" but reported "entirely out of context".
She added: "However, I apologise unreservedly for repeating in private conversation an offensive email circulating on the web. I now realise that unintentionally I caused the Chinese community distress and offence, and embarrassment for the Conservative Party; all of which I deeply regret.”
In a letter of reply to Lady Winterton, Mr MacLean said: “I have seen your letter to Michael of today’s date containing your unreserved apology, and in these circumstances I have restored the Whip to you with immediate effect.”
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 December 2005
Cameron faces Blair at first PM’s questions
David Cameron, who made his first appearance as Conservative party leader at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, has pledged support for Tony Blair’s controversial education reforms.
Cameron faces Blair at first PM’s questions
David Cameron, who made his first appearance as Conservative party leader at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, has pledged support for Tony Blair’s controversial education reforms.
09 May 2005
Senior Conservatives quit Shadow Cabinet
Senior Conservatives Nicolas Soames and Tim Yeo have announced plans to leave the Shadow Cabinet. The announcement follows party leader Michael Howard’s decision to stand down shortly as party leader. Mr Yeo, the shadow environment and transport secretary, said that he wanted to concentrate on “non-traditional” issues, such as the environment.
Senior Conservatives quit Shadow Cabinet
Senior Conservatives Nicolas Soames and Tim Yeo have announced plans to leave the Shadow Cabinet. The announcement follows party leader Michael Howard’s decision to stand down shortly as party leader. Mr Yeo, the shadow environment and transport secretary, said that he wanted to concentrate on “non-traditional” issues, such as the environment.
26 February 2004
Whip removed from Tory MP for 'unacceptable' joke
The Tory MP Ann Winterton has been expelled from the party's parliamentary party after refusing to apologise for a making a joke of the deaths of 20 Chinese cockle-pickers in Morecambe.
Whip removed from Tory MP for 'unacceptable' joke
The Tory MP Ann Winterton has been expelled from the party's parliamentary party after refusing to apologise for a making a joke of the deaths of 20 Chinese cockle-pickers in Morecambe.
23 February 2007
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
30 October 2003
Tory Chief Whip steps down
The Conservative Party's Chief Whip has stepped down in the aftermath of Iain Duncan Smith's failure to win last night's vote of confidence. David Maclean, the opposition Chief Whip, whose job it is to drum up support in the Commons for Conservative policies, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to Conservative MPs.
Tory Chief Whip steps down
The Conservative Party's Chief Whip has stepped down in the aftermath of Iain Duncan Smith's failure to win last night's vote of confidence. David Maclean, the opposition Chief Whip, whose job it is to drum up support in the Commons for Conservative policies, tendered his resignation in a letter addressed to Conservative MPs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
