Monday, 25 th April 2005

Election News Release

Labour MP Threatens Legal Battle with Independent Candidate in Mansfield
Stewart Rickersey Rattles Alan Meale In Election Campaign Material

Labour MP Alan Meale has instructed solicitors to investigate whether an Independent candidate running against him in the Mansfield and District Constituency “intended to damage his reputation”.

Stewart Rickersey received a letter dated 19 th April 2005 from Martin Lee & Co Solicitors who are acting on behalf of Alan Meale. The letter outlines concerns that Alan Meale has about a letter Mr Rickersey sent to local business people and previous supporters of his independent campaign.

Martin Lee & Co state in the letter, “It is apparent that…you are attempting to draw a distinction between yourself and my client. The inference is that my client [Alan Meale MP] is:

1. Driven by party dogma

2. Does not genuinely represent the views of all the people of Mansfield and District

3. Has acted in his role as a Member of Parliament out of personal interest.”

Mr Rickersey is an affiliate of the Independent Network, a new organisation established to support Independent candidates running in the General Election.

Stewart Rickersey said, “As an independent I want to openly, honestly and unselfishly represent and reflect the views of the majority of people in Mansfield on all key issues. Independent candidates offer the electorate an alternative to party political candidates. We are not pressurised by party whips to toe party lines . As an Independent elected MP who will constantly consult the constituency I will be more accountable and more effective at representing the views of the people of Mansfield than any party political candidate.”

Mr Rickersey continued, “It is regrettable that Mr Meale has decided to take legal action. If he chooses to take this matter further he must do so in the knowledge that I will be looking to recover my costs on an indemnity basis.”

Peter Lay, Executive of the Independent Network said, “It is disappointing that Mr Meale has resorted to lawyers. The Independent Network will give all the support we can to Stewart Rickersey in this legal matter. Like other Independent candidates, Stewart does not have access to the human and financial resources of the major political parties. I hope this legal matter can be resolved quickly and will not divert much needed resources from his campaign.”

Mr Lay continued, “ Over 160 politically independent candidates will be running for election on May 5th. This is the largest number since 1885 - probably ever. Independents are offering the electorate the only alternative to the traditional, adversarial party politics.”

- ends -

Notes to editors:

The Independent Network

The Independent Network is a loose association that provides support to candidates who are not members of traditional political parties. As a not-for-profit association with a simple constitution, the Independent Network consists of: independent representatives in national, regional and local government, and candidates or prospective candidates whom the Independent Network supports. Members of the public who support the principle of elected representatives of public office being free of the established party political system will be encouraged to become affiliated with the Independent Network.

The Independent Network does not impose any political views on the individuals and parties it supports or that support the Independent Network. However, affiliates of the Independent Network must be non-racist and non-discriminatory and adhere to The Nolan Committee's recommendations on Standards in Public Life.

Affiliates of the Independent Network include: Kate Allsop – Ashfield; Malvin Brown – Hornchurch; Berjis Daver – Harrow West; Bill Givens – Southport; Reg Keys – Sedgefield; Ron Ower – Upminster; Stewart Rickersey – Mansfield; Chris Rowe – Banbury; Dr. Richard Taylor – Wyre Forest; David Vail – North Hackney and Stoke Newington; Judy Weleminsky – Dulwich and West Norwood.

Cllr Stewart Rickersey

Cllr Rickersey is standing in the Mansfield Constituency

Personal

Stewart has lived in Mansfield since 1979 and in the Lindhurst Ward since 1989. As Managing Director of the Chad, Mansfield's local paper, from 1986 until July 2000 he played a prominent part in local community activities across the District. He is 54 years old and now runs his own small group of companies based in Pleasley.

Electoral Notes

Elected as Prospective Independent Parliamentary Candidate for Mansfield

Councils, Public Bodies

Councillor Mansfield District Council (Independent)

Current Community Involvement

Trustee Drug Abuse Resistance Education (UK) Ltd
Chairman Sister Cities Association of Mansfield, England
Chairman Bassetlaw Partnership Trust
Director Nottinghamshire Enterprises
President Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Member Rotary Club of Mansfield (Past President)

Past Posts

Chairman of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (Merchandise) Ltd.
Chairman of Mansfield Area Development Agency Ltd.
Chairman of Mansfield 2010 Executive Board
Chairman of Workshop Town Centre Management Board
Director of Bassetlaw Development Agency Partnership
Director of North Nottinghamshire Training & Enterprise Council
Member of Bassetlaw Area Chamber of Commerce Council
Member of Coalfields Strategy Group
Member of Mansfield Round Table
Leader of Mansfield Referendum Group
Leader of Independent Campaign Group
Portfolio Holder Corporate Issues for Mansfield District Council

For more information please visit: www.independentnetwork.org.uk or contact Jenny or Brian on 020 7609 1902 or email: indepnet@pwkpr.com