Supporters back Woolas fighting fund

Oldhamers are rallying around Phil Woolas in a bid to raise enough money to appeal against a decision which saw him lose his Commons seat.

Donations have reached tens of thousands of pounds after MPs and Labour party members, along with Oldhamers, many of who live in the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency, have been donating in their droves since the fighting fund was set up on Monday.

Mr Woolas needs to raise £50,000 before tomorrow to show he has the money to purchase an insurance policy needed to take his appeal further.

He said: “I have received donations from constituents of £5 to £50 and donations from MPs and other wealthy people. I have been humbled by the support.

“I have a moral obligation to fight this not just for myself but for the principle that is now clearly at stake.

“I was re-elected as the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth four times and for the sake of two lines in a party leaflet — the meaning of which I contest — it seems rather over the top.”

Comments made by Labour’s Deputy Leader Harriet Harman have caused mutiny in Labour ranks. Some have called for her to resign while another MP said “a period of silence” would be welcome.

Ms Harman said Mr Woolas could not return to the Labour Party even if he won his appeal.

As the Chronicle reported earlier this week, she was berated at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party by MPs furious she had spoken out before an appeal had been heard. All three main political parties have agreed to hold off on a by-election until it is known if an appeal will go ahead.

A decision could be made in the next few days.