IT would seem that our local Tory, David Morris has once again put in his annual appearance. Perhaps he has heard there is an election.

I did wonder why a local candidate wasn't chosen by the Tories - but Mr Morris's recent comments have provided the answer. 'Desperation, hypocrisy, Tory fresh alternatives' - who is he trying to kid?

He mentions low inflation, a stable economy and falling unemployment. The problem for the Tories is that the British people do not believe these hollow words.

Inflation is still above the Chancellor's own target, the economy is so 'stable' that the City is forecasting a mini-recession unless interest rates go up, and unemployment figures have been manipulated to the extent that no-one knows the truth.

One statistic that does tell us the true situation is that one in five families of working age in this country do not have a single breadwinner at home - that is an appalling indictment on the economic policies of this Government. The policy of "treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" works for no-one and has no place in a modern democracy.

If Britain is booming why aren't we all feeling the benefits? The truth is that we have had real Victorian 'back to basics' economic policies designed to ensure that people have to work for low pay and poor working conditions with very little job security. A sweat shop economy where the gap between the haves and the have-nots keeps getting wider and wider.

The General Election will bring the fresh start that David Morris wants but it will take place under a new Labour Government and not under the tired old Tories.

In the Leigh constituency the people will vote for Lawrence Cunliffe because they know his views on issues that effect them and that he supports the policies of the party he represents.

Dare we ask for a third time where the divided Tories stand, or should that be where Ed Young stand, or perhaps David Morris - confusing isn't it?

Mark Hale

Secretary and campaign co-ordinator

Leigh Constituency Labour Party

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