High Peak Liberal Democrats
Paul Varnsverry is calling on Labour voters to support him as Northamptonshire's first Police and Crime Commissioner
Following the shock withdrawal of the Labour candidate, Lee Barron, from Northamptonshire's Police and Crime Commissioner election, Labour voters have been sending direct messages, emails and making telephone calls to Paul Varnsverry to say they will be voting for him.
"Ironically, it was Labour themselves who were responsible for the situation their own candidate found himself in", explained Paul.
"The original disqualification criteria applied only if a prison sentence had actually been served. If an alternative punishment was used - for example a fine, as in Lee Barron's case - the disqualification rule did not apply. It was Labour in Parliament who insisted the rules be tightened up, meaning anyone found guilty of an offence where a custodial sentence could be imposed would be unable to run for election as, or hold the office of Police and Crime Commissioner."
Concerns have been expressed that voters will be confused to see Lee Barron's name still present on the ballot paper - and bearing the Labour emblem - despite the Labour Party withdrawing its support and reportedly suspending their candidate from the party.
"My advice to voters is to view the ballot paper as if Lee Barron's name is absent and the names of only the remaining four candidates are present" was Paul Varnsverry's response.
"Lee and I disagreed on very little at the hustings and my policies will certainly strike a positive note with Labour voters", Paul added. "I am asking Labour voters to support me as the only viable left-of-centre candidate. My manifesto can be downloaded here.
"A vote for Labour could result in legal challenges should it affect the outcome. This election should be decided at the ballot box and not in the courts. The huge cost of re-running the election would be borne by hard-pressed council tax payers of Northamptonshire. A vote for me will deliver the best result for everyone in Northamptonshire."
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