General Discussion

Clegg doesn't know pension figures

Lembit as pathetic as always

And now this.....

Can we really take these jokers seriously?


I'm not talking to you' says Sanders

Wednesday, September 17, 2008, 09:46

TORBAY MP Adrian Sanders has refused to explain why he blew a fuse in a spat with a former spin doctor at the Liberal Democrat's annual conference in Bournemouth.

The resort's MP hit the national headlines yesterday after he pushed over former Lib Dem press mogul Mark Littlewood in a heated row.

Mr Sanders took exception to a report, written by Mr Littlewood, claiming his seat was in danger of being grabbed by the Tories at the next election. One eye-witness claims Mr Sanders confronted Mr Littlewood and shouted: 'That's my f*****g majority you're talking about."

Mr Sanders refused to comment on the altercation, which ended with Mr Littlewood on the ground after falling over a wall.

But he came under fire from others, including Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Marcus Wood.

Robin Vaughan, vice-chairman of the Torbay Liberal Democrat Association, said he was planning to speak to Mr Sanders about the incident for the first time last night.

The Lib Dem press office at the conference said Mr Sanders offered a 'full, written and unreserved apology' to Mr Littlewood after his brush with Mr Littlewood.

Both signed up to the statement, agreeing not to say anything more about the incident.

And last night the MP was determined not to comment further.

He said: "There's nothing more to say.

"There is no comment. That's what the press office put out.

"Both sides have come to an agreement. The honourable thing is not to break that agreement."

Despite national press coverage yesterday, the Herald Express can reveal that Mr Sanders will not lose his Deputy Chief Whip status over the altercation.

He has also been backed by Lib Dem colleagues in Torbay who said the actions did not bring the party into disrepute and that he is still favourite to stand for the Lib Dems at the next general election.

Torbay Liberal Democrat Association vice-robin chairman Mr Vaughan said: "It does not give anybody a bad name. I've known Adrian long enough, he's a pretty laid back chap and I do not know what's gone on.

"I suppose I am surprised by the outburst but he is laid back and you have to look at life. We are dead long enough."

Torbay Conservative mayor Nick Bye said: "It seems that he's had a bit of a John Prescott moment.

"One part of me, the naughty side deep down, thinks 'thank God for that'. He normally has a kind of approach which is very laid back."

The Herald Express understands there was an exchange of words outside the Bournemouth International Conference Centre before the MP pushed Mr Littlewood.

He then ended up on the ground, having fallen backwards over a small wall.

Shortly afterwards, a statement was issued by the Liberal Democrats saying: "Adrian Sanders MP has offered Mark Littlewood a full, written and unreserved apology for his conduct. On this basis Mark Littlewood will not be involving the legal authorities."

Contrary to national media speculation, a spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed: "We have not received an allegation of a crime in respect of this matter."

A spokesman for the Lib Dems said that Mr Sanders had met with fellow party whips yesterday and he will keep his Deputy Chief Whip position.

The spokesman said: "In the meeting Mr Sanders again apologised for his behaviour. As far as we are concerned this is the end of the matter. No action will be taken"

The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards which would investigate any allegation of misconduct by an MP confirmed that no complaint had been made over the incident.

Speaking from Bournemouth yesterday, Mr Sanders was determined not to add anything to the agreed statement.

He said: "There is no comment. That's what the press officer put out. Both sides have come to an agreement. The honourable thing is not to break that agreement. That's it. That's the end of the story. I have signed a statement." When questioned further, he said: "Do not go there. I have said that I am not going to comment. That's called an agreement."

And anyone that witnessed the rantings of Dick Ross when he addressed the conference, must have wondered what planet he came from?

Did you see the Lib Dem Political broadcast on TV 17th Sept? I cannot believe they used actors as people they interviewed on their opinions on the country. That seems wrong to me, why not find 'real' people?