Leicester by-election: Prospective MPs clash over 'local ward for local people'

A row has broken out among two would-be MPs over who is the "most local" candidate.

Lib Dem Zuffar Haq has put his Leicestershire credentials at the heart of his campaign to be elected MP for Leicester South.

He is using adverts against his Labour opponent pointing out that, until recently, Jon Ashworth lived in Mansfield, while Mr Haq is from Leicester.

In one recent advertisement in the Mercury, Mr Haq's Lib Dem advert asked: "Who should be Leicester's new MP? The Labour candidate who lives in Mansfield, or the Liberal Democrat who lives in Leicester."

But Mr Ashworth has pointed out Mr Haq lives in Oadby, which is in another constituency, and he is the only candidate who lives in Leicester South.

In scenes which could have come from TV comedy The League of Gentleman – famous for its "Local Shop for Local People" – they are arguing over who has the most claim over the constituency.

"I am the only candidate in this by-election who actually gets the chance to vote on election day," said Mr Ashworth. "I've moved to Leicester, I have a house here, and I'm part of the community. My daughter will be born here. I love the area and the people here and that's why I'm standing to represent it in Parliament."

In Mr Haq's view, however, that is not enough.

"I was born in the constituency, grew up here, worked here and raised my family here. I'm the candidate that knows every street, knows the different issues facing each neighbourhood, and knows how to improve the area."

Conservative candidate Jane Hunt is based in Loughborough and sits on Charnwood Borough Council.

She has previously stood for election in the Leicester East constituency.

She believes that the ability to do a good job for the community you are hoping to represent is key.

Ms Hunt said: "As long as you're prepared to get out on the doorsteps and listen to people's concerns, you can effectively represent an area."

Raving Loony candidate Howling Laud Hope is based in Hampshire, while UKIP's Abhijit Pandya lives in London.

Mr Pandya said: "I'm based in Stoneygate during this election campaign because I believe it's important to meet as many local people as possible and listen to their concerns.

"By living in Leicester during this period, I can campaign from early in the morning through until the evening."

Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503348/s/148589a8/l/0L0Sthisisleicestershire0O0Cnews0CProspective0EMPs0Eclash0Elocal0Eward0Elocal0Epeople0Carticle0E350A560A80Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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