Labour man Joe defects to UKIP

STANDING for UKIP . . . Joe Fitzpatrick

A FORMER Labour councillor and long-serving agent for ex-MP Phil Woolas is standing for UKIP in Oldham’s local elections next month.

Joe Fitzpatrick (65) recently joined UKIP and will stand for election in St James ward, where two council seats are open following the resignation of Labour councillor Nigel Newton.

Mr Fitzpatrick said he left the Labour Party after 40 years because of its recent disciplinary action against Oldham Councillor Hugh McDonald and its policies on the EU and immigration.

Councillor McDonald has been prevented from standing as an official Labour candidate by the party after leaking information about child safeguarding investigations in Oldham. But he remains a Labour Party member, has not been expelled and will continue to serve Alexandra ward until May 22.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “The main reason I’ve joined UKIP was the anger I felt over Hugh McDonald’s treatment. I felt it was not my Labour Party anymore.

“I joined UKIP last week and went to another meeting this week. My membership was accepted and I was asked to stand in St James ward at short notice after Nigel Newton stood down. I was happy to stand.”