Historic verdict will chill politics

Disgraced MP Phil Woolas left the election court with cries of “why did you cheat?” ringing in his ears.

He refused to answer questions at a brief press conference and he left his solicitor Gerald Shamash to read a statement on his behalf. Mr Shamash, who is also the Labour Party’s solicitor, said there would be an immediate attempt to seek a further legal ruling, called a judicial review, to overturn the Election Court decision.

And Mr Shamash warned that the Election Court judgement would have a chilling effect on political debate. He added: “Those who stand for election and participate in the democratic process must be prepared to have their political conduct and motives subjected to searching scrutiny and inquiry.

“They must accept that their political character and conduct will be attacked.

“It is vital to our democracy that those who make statements about the political character and conduct of election candidates are not deterred from speaking freely for fear that they may be found to have breached electoral laws.

“This decision will chill political speech.”

Mr Woolas thanked his team and support he said he was receiving both from people who voted from him and those who didn’t.

Because there would be an immediate application for judicial review he would say nothing.

He left the conference, with his wife Tracy by his side in tears.