Three Jobs Nigel?

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Lib Dem candidate standing for three political positions

Questions have been raised about Liberal Democrat Nigel Bakhai who is standing as councillor in Ealing (Elthorne ward) and Hillingdon (Botwell) and is also a candidate for the parliamentary seat of Ealing Southall.

It's not unusual for councillors to stand as parliamentary candidates in their own areas and Mr Bakhai has not broken any electoral rules, but nevertheless eyebrows have been raised by his decision to stand in two different boroughs.

Phil Taylor, Conservative councillor and candidate in Northfield writes on his personal blog:

'' I don’t think that “Three jobs Nigel” is a phrase that will catch on not having any rhyme or alliteration. It is still worth asking though what is LibDem candidate for Ealing Southall, Nigel Bakhai, playing at?''

He concludes: '' He is either taking the Mickey out of people in Botwell or Ealing, or both.''

If Mr Bakhai was elected in both boroughs he would have to stand down from one of them which would force a by-election.

Mr Bakhai was asked by EalingToday.co.uk to explain why he has put himself forward for both boroughs, he said:

'' I work for Xerox in Uxbridge which qualifies me to stand as a candidate in Hillingdon borough. As I am sure you know, Ealing and Hillingdon are paired together as a London Assembly seat and I am very good friends with my Lib Dem colleagues in Hillingdon so I agreed to stand as a local elections candidate there.

'' My hope is that the media coverage I receive as a General Election candidate in a neighbouring constituency will help increase the Lib Dem vote in Hayes. However, I am completely devoting my time to campaigning in Elthorne ward and Ealing Southall. As you say, you cannot be a councillor in two boroughs so in the event that I am elected in Elthorne and Botwell, so I would resign in Hillingdon because I live in Elthorne, and have always been passionate about representing the people of West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall where I have worked in the community for the past ten years.''

 

 

April 28, 2010