Watkins denies jumping the gun on ruling

PHIL WOOLAS

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A POLITICIAN is advertising for staff for an election battle that may never happen.

Liberal Democrat Elwyn Watkins has been accused of arrogance for seeking volunteers for his campaign team before the result of a legal fight that could trigger the by-election is even announced.

Mr Watkins took Labour rival Phil Woolas to an historic election court after losing the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat in May’s general election by just 103 votes.

He argued that election material published by Mr Woolas made false statements that could have cost him votes. His case includes claims that Mr Woolas stirred up racial tensions to influence voters.

The case — the first of its kind in nearly 100 years — was heard at a specially convened election court at Uppermill Civic Hall. The ruling is not due until later this month.

Mr Watkins denied that he was “jumping the gun” by already advertising for interns to join his campaign team.

He said: “We are not being arrogant. We have not counted our chickens. We are just preparing for every eventuality. Effectively, we have to plan for different scenarios coming up.”

The advert states: “This is a great opportunity to join one of the key Liberal Democrat target seats and gain campaigning experience and skills in doorstep campaigning, data input, output and analysis, assistance to Elwyn Watkins; and literature design, production and delivery.”

It adds that the internships are voluntary, unpaid positions with no fixed hours or duties.

Mr Woolas said: “This is typical of this man’s bizarre behaviour. If the judge does find in his favour it will then go to the court of appeal.”

If a by-election was called, Mr Watkins would first have to be selected by the Liberal Democrats to stand.

Mr Woolas questioned the legitimacy of the positions being advertised, saying: “The Lib-Dem party has a campaign that says interns should be paid proper wages.

“They are either interns or volunteers. I assume that proper employment law will be adhered to.

“You can advertise for volunteers, of course, but for an intern you have responsibilities as an employer.”