AN independent candidate in the forthcoming Bewsey and Whitecross by-election at Warrington has received an apology over an “honest mistake” in a Labour leaflet.
The leaflet claimed Labour candidate Jeff Richards was the only candidate who lived in the ward – a claim which angered Independent John Mulhall, (right) who has lived in the ward for 26 years.
He complained to returning officer Diana Terris who informed him, by letter, that the matter would be investigated.
Now Mr Mulhall has received a letter from Nick Bent, who was Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South at the General Election in May.
In the letter, Mr Bent apologises for the “unintended error.”
He writes: “This is entirely my fault, as at the time I drafted the leaflet I did not realise you were standing as an Independent. I was only aware of the other party political candidates, none of whom live in the ward.
“Jeff and all my other Labour colleagues and I fully intend to fight this by-election on the basis of honest and we want it to be a clean fight. So we do regret the error.
“Now that we know about your candidacy, I can of course assure you that we will not repeat that claim in any future letters or leaflets in this by-election. This was an honest mistake and I hope you will accept my apology.”
Mr Mulhall, a former Labour Party member, trade union official and local campaigner, said: “I accept the sentiment of the letter but I can’t accept an apology from Mr Bent because he is not the candidate nor the candidate’s agent.
“In fact, he has nothing to do with the issue, even if he wrote the leaflet.”
Mr Mulhall said he was still awaiting a response from the returning officer arising from the promised investigation.
He had been told, at a candidates’ briefing at the Town Hall, that his complaint had been passed to the Police Electoral Offences unit, but had heard nothing from them either.
Mr Mulhall added: “I think Mr Richards should retract the statement in his next election leaflet.”
There are five candidates in the by-election, caused by the resignation of Liberal Democrat Jo Crotty.
They are: Lyndsay McAteer (Green Party), John Mulhall (Independent), Ann Raymond (Liberal Democrat), Lance Reah (Conservative) and Jeff Richards (Labour).
The poll takes place on Thursday, December 9.
2 Comments
An honest mistake says a politician.????????????
With a name like “Bent”; of course it was an honest mistake !!