Iraq becomes election battle
By Michael Broomhead in Buxton Advertiser
Alistair Stevens
BATTLE LINES have been drawn by the Liberal Democrats' Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the High Peak - after he slammed a rival's "lack of principles" over the war in Iraq.
Speaking to the Buxton Advertiser, New Mills Town Councillor Alistair Stevens criticised Labour's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Caitlin Bisknell, who believes that the country should not have invaded Iraq in 2003.
Cllr Stevens said: "My stance is the same as Cllr Bisknell's. However, I moved to a party which voted against the war, because of my conviction. The difference between us is, I have strong principles and I act upon them. I'm very, very disappointed in her."
Both Cllr Stevens' and Cllr Bisknell's brothers have served several tours of duty in Iraq.
In December High Peak Labour Party proposed an all-women shortlist, effectively banning male candidates from entering the selection process, which was won by Cllr Bisknell.
But she has said she has "never been in favour of all-women shortlists - or any kind of shortlists - in the Labour Party".
Cllr Stevens said: "If she had such strong objections to the all-women shortlist, she should have fought against it - or refused to take part in the undemocratic system.
"If I had been a member of the Labour Party, I would not have been afforded the opportunity of standing. This is discrimination, however you want to spin it. There is no way it should happen, particularly from 'the party of equal opportunities'."
If elected at the next General Election, 51-year-old Cllr Stevens would concentrate on rural issues including supporting hill farmers.
In addition the property valuer wants to see more jobs, more housing and better transport.
Liberals were last in power between 1900 and 1910 in the High Peak. The Buxton Advertiser asked: "Why should we have them now?"
Well-known local cricketer Cllr Stevens said: "I think people are fed up with the current regime. Mr-airbrushed-Cameron doesn't offer very much."
Cllr Stevens said: "I think this is our opportunity. I think there's a high wish for change. We offer that change, we offer fairness, and we offer integrity."