All tension gone from local Pinocchio awards; Tory candidate sure to win

5.45.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 4th May 2005

Michael Howard's parliamentary candidate has put himself well out of reach for this year's General Election Pinocchio awards. A latest effort by the local Tory candidate has taken most tension out of the awards with still days to spare.

Tom Brake said,

"A local resident has brought to my attention a letter in which the Tory candidate states that the Liberal Democrats would not send first time burglars to jail."

"Although I can understand the Tory candidate's desperation to win the Pinocchio award, since it will be the only thing he will win during this election, I deplore the continuous misrepresentation of our policies."

"The Liberal Democrats are absolutely clear that criminal activity deserves swift and decisive action by the police, and that violent and sex offenders should expect prison sentences. We consider burglary an offence against the person and expect the courts to send burglars to prison."

ENDS