[g jones]

It has always been my view that we should have a Hyndburn candidate. I have a huge degree of sceptisism about careerists, carpet baggers, national union nominations, London Solicitors, so called activists and 'top-downers (this national committee, that MP)'.

I want a candidate who will devote more to Hyndburn than 'life at Westminster'. I think Kitty Usher behaved appallingly. Having met her on several occasions, she was more 'career minded' and London/Westminster obsessed than the papers pointed out which is rather sad.

Having said that, Arthur Davidson made a successful attempt to be an Accringtonian but still spent time away. Only Ken Hargreaves was a true local person who still lives and campaigns for the area and we should be grateful to Ken for that. A great local MP on an individual basis, however he struggled by being foremost, loyal to the Thatcher Government which damaged this area in most people's eyes.