Watkins rejects ‘smear’ tactics

ELECTIONS 2010 — on the hustings

General election candidate Elwyn Watkins claims he is victim of a smear campaign after being challenged on television in an investigation for underpaying his campaign workers.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth Liberal Democrat hopeful was confronted by BBC 2’s “Newsnight” reporter Michael Crick at Asda’s store in Shaw.

In front of a TV and media pack of journalists — there to see leader Nick Clegg — Mr Watkins was grilled by Crick about allegations from former party worker Rebecca McGladdery that four of his workers were paid £3 an hour - £2.80 less than the minimum wage.

Mr Watkins (pictured) told the Chronicle: “This is like asking when did you stop beating your wife. This is a smear campaign. It is completely fictitious.

“We have said our books are completely transparent and everything is accounted for. I am hoping for an early report. What has been claimed is completely untrue.

“I may buy volunteers the odd sandwich, and I paid for a Christmas meal.

“I have been told by HMRC that they are 99.9 per cent certain that there is no substance to these allegations. It is simply untrue.”

Mr Watkins was interviewed by the HM Revenue and Customs minimum wage investigation branch last week. Officers had visited Ms McGladdery days earlier at her home in Galland Street, Greenacres, and taken a statement.

The investigators questioned him and local party treasurer David Hampson at their Millgate headquarters in Hollinwood.

Ms McGladdery, who now works for the Labour party at the Church Lane offices of rival Oldham East Labour candidate Phil Woolas, told viewers she complained to HMRC because four workers at Millgate were paid £3 an hour, less than minimum wage.”

Catch up the with candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/