Labour were cheating - not just an error!

12.10.29pm GMT Mon 7th Feb 2005

Local Lib Dems had previously revealed that the office of South Dorset MP Jim Knight had been sending Labour election material (See press release dated 27th Jan 05) using House of Common envelopes & postage - a clear breach of Westminster rules.

South Dorset Lib Dem PPC had previously commented "However I do not believe he would behave in this way and the leaflets were probably put there by an over zealous member of his staff."

However it now seems other Labour MPs have been using tax-payers' money to help gain votes in this May's expected General Election. Government Whip Margaret Mohan was reprimanded for doing exactly the same thing.

Commenting on this latest development Graham said "I gave Mr Knight the benefit of the doubt, but in the light of recent developments it is clear this was a deliberate act organised by the Labour Party centrally.

Either Mr Knight did not know what his staff were doing or he colluded in the misuse of public funds. Some people might call this fraud, though the more commonly used word is sleaze."

"Mr Knight should apologise to the people of South Dorset and re-pay the money he has misused."

ENDS