Labour: now annoying men in Wigan

You don't need Westmonster to tell you that today is a pretty darn pivotal one for the Labour government. Therefore you'd assume that the last thing they would want to do is go around offending people. Well ... offending them more than they have with an incompetent PM, a crippled economy, a housing market in decline and a series of piss-taking expense receipts.

Evidently no-one told John Hilton this. Hilton is the councillor for Aspull New Springs and Whelley, and included a testimonial in his latest newsletter from New Springs Lions Rugby League Club. Apparently the Lions are 'backing John in his election campaign' - a fact which came as news to the chaps themselves.

Club secretary Nick Clark is mightily annoyed at the whole affair, stating that:

"We have always been and will always be strictly non-political. The club is lucky to have enjoyed support from all councillors and all parties across the spectrum and we are sure that will continue in the future. I have seen the leaflet and I would say that this is an oversight by our chairman, who has taken it upon himself to speak to Councillor Hilton and to give a personal opinion and not the opinion or endorsement of the club itself. That should have been made clear if it was being used in this way and unfortunately it is just a pity that it hasn't been on this occasion."

Will this affect Hilton's chances today against Tory candidate Anthony Hind and Lib Dem hopeful Alan Robinson? Only time - and rolling News 24 coverage - will tell. One thing's for sure: if he does win, it would prove a startling sight to see him dislodged from his podium by a disgruntled rugby player.

Talk about tackling the issues, eh? Eh? Do you get it? Do you?

Written by C J Davies on 1 May 2008 1:23 AM. Permalink