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LABOUR MINISTER URGES UNITED VOTE TO BEAT HOWARD

Shepway Liberal Democrats claim that Labour Minister Denis MacShane has urged local Labour supporters to vote Lib Dem to beat Michael Howard in Folkestone and Hythe.

However,  speaking in Maidstone,  Mr. MacShane said:  "Everybody in Folkestone should unite to get rid of Michael Howard."

The local Lib Dems point out that Labour finished  third at the last General Election, but received around 9000 votes. With Mr Howard's majority of less than 6000 it could mean that if enough Labour voters vote for Lib Dem Peter Carroll or vice versa for the Labour candidate Maureen Tomison then Mr Howard will be defeated.

Peter Carroll said, "I am delighted to hear such a senior Labour Minister saying this to Labour voters. We are heading for a close finish in the election and if former Labour supporters switch to the Lib Dems, Michael Howard will lose his seat."

2001 General Election result:

VOTES %

Labour                      9,260    (20.19%)
Liberal Democrats 14,738    (32.14%)
Conservative          20,645    (45.02%)
Others                       1,212    (2.64%)

Total 45,855 

Majority 5,907 (12.88 %)

Present holder: Con