If the leaflet made a claim that Virendra Sharma was already MP this would be could be challenged by the other parties. I suspect the defence that would be offered was that an error was made and it would go no further. The alleged leaking of postal votes to the Daily Telegraph is potentially a far more serious matter as those participating in the observation process are not permitted to disclose details before the final count.In relation to Southall it should be understood that much of what is going on reflects custom and practice in the sub-continent where political parties are not seriously differentiated by ideology. The 2 ex-Cranford councillors who defected to the Tories stood for the Independent Alliance in May 2006 after being dropped by Labour, took part in the recent Brentford Holiday Inn lobby of Ann Keen organised by the ICG, and are now with the Tories. Tony Lit's dad, Avtar, stood as an Independent against Piara Khabra a couple of elections ago, and Piara Khabra himself defected from Labour for several years to the SDP. Many politically active members of the Sikh community in West London support either Congress or Akali Dal in India, and I know a number active in Southall who spent January and early February in India campaigning in the Punjab state assembly elections.
John Connelly ● 6526d