Not All Is Well In Camp Labour

It has been reported this week, that CLLR Andrew Highton from Ashton StMichaels has been deselected for the next local election in 2010.

Now last year, it was reported they tried to deselect former mayor, and in my opinion a lovely lady Margaret Sidebottom.

So what is it about this ward?

My guess is, they're very nervous about losing in StMichaels, after Tory candidate Dr Paul Buckley slashed their majority to 6 votes at the last election.

Also with the excellent work, Ashton Conservatives continue to do in StMichaels, and in Hurst it looks like a Tory gain in 2010.

Well it would be so easy for me to say, the Tories are favourites, but the Labour Party have said that for me, by deselecting their "weakest link" a Labour source told me "They are really worried in Ashton, what with the massive swing in Hurst, and in StMichaels. But privately think that their real weakest link is Bill Harrison, who is up in 2011. and also said they have had to act quickly, before it's too late"

Now we look at the 3 man list they have to replace CLLR Highton. Firstly they have Idu Miah who was a losing candidate in Mossley last year. Secondly they have Roy Oldhams friend and former Tameside Council hiaracy Paul Dowthwaite, who last year received a hammering in Hurst, personally i haven't seen a man cry that much since Italia 90, and thirdly Bill Fairfowl.

Looking at the list, personally i am not that impressed with the quality Labour have in their ranks, i thought "much fancied" Claire Francis would have been on the list.

But i am told that they have plans for her in Longdendale, for when CLLR Oldham finally releases his firm grip on the Council.

I hear she has a special bond with a certain Longdendale CLLR anyway.

It looks like the Conservatives will take their first seat in StMichaels, and we expect a fight, no doubt usual dirty tactics will be used by Labour i.e Audenshaw 08 and Hurst 07 but we may have an ace up our sleeve?.