Sheer nonsense from the Liberal Democrats

Even for the Liberal Democrats it exceeded sheer nonsense and was totally wrong.

Alastair Campbell has always made it clear he has no interest in standing as Member of Parliament for Burnley. On that basis Burnley Labour Party has never considered him as a possible candidate, although he is a good friend and we have great respect for him. Julie has been selected as our candidate and we did have an all-woman shortlist, a proposal which was overwhelmingly accepted despite an initial expression of view for an open list.

Labour is the only Party that is taking steps to try to ensure we do have more women MPs. As chairman of Burnley Labour Party – and having had more than 50 years involvement in Burnley politics – I am confident she would have been selected as our candidate from any shortlist as a well respected and capable local candidate.

Julie has the full backing of the Burnley Labour Party and we will be doing all we can to ensure she is our next MP.

Peter Pike

Chairman of Burnley Labour Party and former MP