Phil Woolas loses battle, Oldham faces By-election

Phil Woolas, former Labour MP, has been found guilty of making false statements that ‘stirred up racial and religious divisions’ in his bid to win the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat in the May general election.

The former immigration minister was accused of doctoring photographs and producing documents to “make white folks angry” at his main opponent, Liberal Democrat candidate, Elwyn Watkins. Watkins responded by launching a legal challenge against Woolas who won the seat by just 103 votes.

Two judges have now declared the election result void and ordered a re-run of the contest for the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat.