Murphy set to come back to Middleton?

Middleton Lib Dem Agent Adam Power is calling for the Labour Party to force Councillor David Murphy’s resignation, if as expected he attends next week’s Council Meeting.  Councillor Murphy flew out to his Alicante home after participating in the Middleton North By-election on 29 November 2007.  He committed at the time to return to attend Council Meetings.

Mr Power said: “I would expect that any responsible political party will not find it acceptable for one of their members to treat their role with such contempt.  Councillor Murphy was paraded to voters like a circus animal in Middleton.  Indeed rather then chastise him senior Labour members like Colin Lambert were happy to parade him.  Councillor Murphy has not undertaken any casework, surgeries or phone calls for many months.  We couldn’t find out whether or not he had received his winter fuel allowance because he is impossible to contact.  Quite why Labour are satisfied that one of their Councillors is behaving in this manner – cheapens politics.  We’ve had the story about the MP employing members of his family and this ongoing episode.  It’s no wonder that turn out in local elections is poor.

"We shall be reminding voters in Middleton of the failings of Councillor Murphy and the Labour Party.  I don’t see why he cannot accept his wrongdoings and do the right thing.  The reason why Labour are not acting is self-serving greed.  They have seen our campaign skills first hand when they nearly lost Middleton North.  They don’t want to fight another!”