CONDUCT OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER FOR EAST WORTHING AND SHOREHAM

That this House notes the important public service rendered by the honourable Member for The Wrekin in helping to expose the scandal of Michael Ashcroft's role in the Conservative Party; notes that the Leader of the Conservative Party appears powerless to act against Mr Ashcroft because of his stranglehold on the Party; deplores the dirty tricks which the Conservatives are now using against the honourable Member for The Wrekin; notes in particular that allegations which they are making now were made first four years ago by the Conservatives on Westminster City Council and were found to be groundless by the Council Chief Executive who wrote to the honourable Member 'there is no evidence that you had an interest that you were obliged to declare';notes further that while the honourable Member for East Worthing and Shoreham alleged during Prime Minister's questions on 21st July, Official Report, column 1187, that the honourable Member for The Wrekin 'voted against a planning application by Waitrose in preference to one by Safeway', neither company had made any such application and therefore no vote took place; and calls on the promoters of EDM No. 871 to withdraw it and apologise to the honourable Member for The Wrekin.