LEIGH'S Green leader is sueing the Labour Party in a libel claim.

A writ has been filed at Manchester High Court claiming Leigh Green Party activist Chris Maile was libelled in a letter from Wigan Labour Party.

It also alleges that Cllr Neil Turner, as author of the letter and a further letter sent to the Press, also libelled Chris Maile.

The row broke out following a planning application regarding the relocation of a curry factory in Leigh.

Wigan Labour Party called for Mr Maile to be sacked by the Green Party. They refused.

Mr Maile said: "It is sad when one local politician is forced to go to court to protect his good name from a much larger and more powerful political party than his own.

"Labour has forced this upon me by failing to apologise for the letter.

"In taking this action I hope to bring some sanity back in to local politics."

Wigan Labour Party and Cllr Turner have 14 days to file a defence.

Cllr Turner said the party was taking legal advice and added: "This is all part of the hurly-burly of politics and if Mr Maile can't take the heat, he should get out of the kitchen."

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