Woolas in fresh judicial review attempt
By politics.co.uk staff
Disgraced ex-Labour MP Phil Woolas is attempting to seek a judicial review overturning his three-year ban from politics at the high court today.
It follows a ruling from a specially convened election court in his Oldham East and Saddleworth seat that he knowingly misrepresented the position of his Liberal Democrat challenger, Elwyn Watkins’ during this year’s general election campaign.
The election was declared void after the court heard how Mr Woolas’ campaign literature suggested Mr Watkins attempted to “woo” Muslim extremists.
Last week an initial attempt to secure a judicial review of the ruling proved unsuccessful. Today Mr Woolas’ legal team will launch its second attempt, set to begin in the high court this afternoon. The bid is expected to extend into tomorrow.
The Labour party has officially distanced itself from Mr Woolas, despite celebrating his 103-vote victory on May 6th.
Many supporters within the party have contributed to a ‘fighting fund’ paying for his legal costs, which the ex-immigration minister said had “humbled” him.
“I have had donations from constituents ranging from £5 to £1,000,” he told the Manchester Evening News newspaper.
“MPs have also been very generous because they can see that an injustice has been done.”
