A JOKE TOO FAR? (From Warrington Guardian)

A JOKE TOO FAR?

RESIDENTS in Middlewich have given a mixed response to MP Ann Winterton following the joke she made over the death of Chinese cocklers in Morecambe Bay.

Lady Winterton MP has been sacked from the parliamentary Conservative Party and party leader Michael Howard has withdrawn the Conservative whip after she refused to apologise and withdraw her comments.

Speaking to the Middlewich Guardian yesterday, Tuesday, some residents believe Lady Winterton's political days are numbered, while others said her actions would not change how they would vote in future elections.

According to national newspaper reports, Mrs Winterton made her remarks at a Whitehall dinner to improve Anglo-Danish relations, attended by MPs and industry figures.

In a statement she said: "I do not intend to comment about recent events, other than to say it has never been my practice to discuss publicly conversations which took place at a private dinner party in a private flat.

"The decision by my party's leadership will not impact on my ability or determination to represent my constituents."

Mr Howard said in a statement: "Ann Winterton's remarks about the tragic deaths were completely unacceptable.

"Such sentiments have no place in the Conservative Party. I deplore them and I apologise for them on behalf of my party."

Labour MP Nick Palmer, who was at the dinner, said: "She needs to apologise.

"It seems to me most people may tell a joke privately but this seems awful."

Congleton borough Liberal Democrats have called for Lady Winterton's resignation and for her to fight for her constituency in a by-election, claiming 'she has embarrassed the people who have elected her'.

Lady Winterton was elected MP for Congleton in 1983 and this is the second time that she has found herself in trouble over her attempts at humour.

Two years ago she was sacked as shadow rural affairs minister by then leader Iain Duncan-Smith after she joked about Asians during a speech at a rugby club dinner in her constituency.

l See Page 3 for residents' views.