A TOP Liberal Democrat is quitting the party to stand as an independent in a bid to oust Salford MP Hazel Blears at the General Election.
Joe O’Neill made the shock decision to leave the Lib Dems, claiming he wanted to be free to speak his own mind.
The Swinton councillor will now take on Ms Blears and his former Lib Dem group leader Norman Owen in the new constituency of Salford and Eccles.
Labour has lost three Swinton South seats in recent years to the Liberal Democrats – including two of them to Coun O’Neill and his son Martin.
Last year Coun O’Neill challenged Coun Owen to be leader of Salford’s Liberal Democrats, but lost.
Coun O’Neill, married with two children, said: “I have been a councillor for almost four years, and it has been a privilege to work for the people of Swinton, but I have been disappointed with the leadership of the party nationally and locally.
“We have some first-class councillors but have no real vision for the future.
“I am extremely concerned about the unemployment rates in parts of our city, and the welfare of some of our children.”
He added: “I detest racism but the amount of immigration into this country is an issue that needs to be discussed.
“I have had enough of petty in-fighting between political parties and want to be free as an independent to speak my own mind.
“It is sad for me leaving the party but I believe I still have plenty to offer Salford. I have about four months to make myself known to the people of Ms Blears’ constituency and intend to work very hard to do so.”
In the past Coun O’Neill has been reprimanded for assisting residents who live outside of his council ward. During a successful campaign to get his son elected as a Lib Dem councillor he distributed 35,000 leaflets.
Ms Blears, the former communities secretary, resigned from the Cabinet after being caught up in the MPs expenses scandal.
She handed back more than £13,000 to the taxman when it emerged she had not paid capital gains tax on the sale of her London flat because it had been registered as her primary residence – but at the same time was registered as her second home for parliamentary purposes.
Coun O’Neill said: “What Hazel did was not legally wrong but was morally abominable.”
Ms Blears, has been the target for a ‘Hazel Must Go’ campaign. The group behind it has yet to choose a candidate. She was elected in 1997 with 22,848 votes – a majority of 17,069.
In the 2005 election Ms Blears polled just 13,007 votes and her majority slumped to 7,945.
Coun Owen said: “Councillor O'Neill is doing this to spite the Liberal Democrat party. It is disgraceful behaviour to announce this when he has not even officially resigned.
“I believe I’m the only genuine challenger to Ms Blears. This is no more than a political pin-prick as far as our party is concerned.”
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Showing comments 1 to 17 and replies | View All
Voter (13/12/2009 at 12:43)
Haveuheardowt, Salford, Salford (13/12/2009 at 14:15)
When in Rome (13/12/2009 at 14:26)
Richard Carvath (13/12/2009 at 16:01)
(Like your timing and I'm sure Norman does too!)
Stephen Morris - English Democrats Party, Greater Manchester (13/12/2009 at 18:52)
tony (13/12/2009 at 19:15)
Tony Edwards (13/12/2009 at 20:04)
I do hope that now he's an independent he will step down from his council seat and seek re-election as an independent - hope but don't expect to see it
Knowall, stretford end (13/12/2009 at 21:32)
Only standing so you can be in charge like you wanted to be with storming Norman, so the Libs don't like you and you have the support of one of the other independants, are you anti gay too?
Laura Norder, Didsbury (14/12/2009 at 09:23)
I dont understand big words (14/12/2009 at 09:27)
Higgs Boson, Greater Manchester (14/12/2009 at 14:40)
"NOT A CHANCE"
Oh, and "muppet"- that makes four words
community activist, salford manchester (14/12/2009 at 15:02)
Always had a lot to say,good at moaning, but would never face the people you were criticising. Never attended group meetings,never contributed to the party,yes you would do well as an MP. All I can say is god help Salford if you got in.
You need to work on some of your peopel skills and charactor and time is running out.
Richard Carvath (14/12/2009 at 18:11)
Any muppet in particular?
Steve Middleton, Salford (16/12/2009 at 00:05)
Joe O'Neill says he is leaving the party, but he hasn't written any kind of resignation letter either to The Liberal Democrat HQ or his own local party. Therefore the local party has expelled him.
Damien Shannon (16/12/2009 at 14:29)
On a side issue, I can say to Mr Carvath with reasonable confidence that neither Cllr O'Neill - nor anybody else outside of the British National Party - would be likely to wish to align themselves with your manifesto or political ideals.
Richard Carvath (16/12/2009 at 19:36)
Paul (Stretford) (16/12/2009 at 21:35)
I can tell why the people of salford vote labour based on how well you have portrayed yourself and your party with your frankly uncalled for comments.
I find it amusing that you see it fit to try and jump on the back of this publicity for your own gains when your "Leader has thank Mr O'Neill for his hard work" if you fall in line with his policies views etc (exactly why Mr O'Neill has left as he didn't) then does he not speak on behalf of your group??? Should it not be left at that? Have some respect for someone who has served the area well and for your leader as you are making your party and yourself look like fools.
I would have thought you may have had better things to do like try and get elected by helping people like Mr O'Neill does, not writting your poison on blogs. look forward to your reply!
Paul