Row over who is villages’ real MP

Commons speaker Michael Martin is investigating claims by Phil Woolas that Rochdale MP Paul Rowen Lib Dem has been sending out letters in his constituency claiming to be their MP.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas has accused Mr Rowen of sending out correspondence in the villages of Milnrow and Newhey which states he is the MP for the area.

Both villages are, in fact, represented by Labour MP Mr Woolas.

Under the boundary changes that will come into effect at the next general election, the two wards will be transferred into the constituency of Rochdale, but until a general election is called, they remain within the boundaries of Oldham. 

Correspondence has been sent out on behalf of Mr Rowen to addresses in the two villages with the first line stating “as your member of parliament”.

In a letter to the Commons authorities, Mr Woolas wrote: “I understand Mr Rowen is the adopted parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrat Party for the redrawn constituency Rochdale.

“It is understandable that Mr Rowen wishes to campaign for election in my ward of Milnrow and Newhey.

“What is, however, unacceptable is to communicate with the electorate in my constituency giving the deliberate information that he is the existing MP.”

The letter continues: “This is in clear breach of Parliamentary protocol. I have no way of knowing whether the communication has been paid for by taxpayers’ money.”

Mr Woolas has called for the letters to be withdrawn and an apology issued to the Oldham voters, and also clarification on whether taxpayers’ money was used to fund the communication. Letters sent out to constituents can be paid for through parliamentary allowances. However, all electioneering information must be paid for by the Party.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “This is an error and should not have happened. The letter should not have gone out and it was a mistake.”

Many MPs across the country are affected by boundary changes to their current constituency and accept rivals will campaign in their areas before the election is called on the understanding the area will change hands.

Date article online: 04/05/2008