http://www.labourlist.org/i-agree-with-harriet-too---woolas-had-to-go
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11719438
Labour's deputy leader, Harriet Harman is facing a barrage of criticism today over her comments effectively disowning expelled MP Phil Woolas.
Mr Woolas has been barred from politics for three years after making false statements about a rival candidate in the vote for his parliamentary seat during the recent general election. This in clear breach of the 1983 Representation of the People Act.
I believe, along with many readers of the Party's online bulletin Labour List, that the anger this episode has raised amongst many Labour MPs, is unfair.
I can understand the concerns raised by both Conservative and Labour MPs in the Commons yesterday that a hastily-convened election court having the final say over whether an MP should be removed and barred from office sets a very difficult precedent. There has not been a case like this for 99 years and these matters should where possible, be decided by the electorate.
However, this a case where an MP has been elected on the back of telling lies about other election candidates. Therefore Mr Woolas should not be allowed to remain in office, no matter how many fellow MPs may support him.
Harriet Harman is, in my view, absolutely right.
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