Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

by Irn Bru Fri Mar 21, 2014 10:19 pm

Phil Wilson, the Labour MP who took over Tony Blair's former Sedgefield seat, has been negotiating with Hitachi to make sure nothing stands in the way of their plan to open a new factory that will bring 750 much- needed jobs to the unemployment-ridden North-east.

He spoke about it in the Commons on 31 January. Eight days before that, he had recorded in the Register of Member's Interest that Hitachi Rail Europe had donated £5,700 to Sedgefield Labour Party.

What he failed to do was mention this entry in the published register during his speech.

That omission was spotted by a bright spark in Conservative Central Office, who thought he saw an easy way to get a “sleaze” story up and running.

All it needed was a patsy Tory MP to sign a letter of complaint to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Kathryn Hudson, and a compliant journalist to run a story that Wilson was being “investigated”.

Since Ms Hudson cannot refuse to look at a complaint from an MP, and investigations take time, the vague implication that Wilson was somehow linked to sleaze would hang around unchallenged until her report came out.

I am told that the Tory official drafted a letter and asked the Tory MP John Glen – who was not answering queries about this matter – to pose as its author. He agreed to look at it.

Taking that answer as a yes, the official passed the letter to the ever-helpful Guido Fawkes blog, where it was published, with Mr Glen's name on it.

Four weeks have gone by since that letter went up on the web. No such letter has reached the Commissioner's office.

Apparently, when Mr Glen saw the letter, he wanted no part in it, and has apologised to Mr Wilson. The Northern Echo is reporting that the Conservative high command is worried that the stunt could damage their relations with Hitachi.[/b]

The plot attempted to smear Phil Wilson who was working to secure the rail contract and Hitachi but it backfired and caused a rumpus that had Tory HQ scrambling about for cover.

A complete shambles and just one more example of why we had a Labour MP working to secure the contract whilst the Tories were trying to smear him. Just to complete the whole sorry episode Guido Fawkes was in on it as well.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andy-mcsmiths-diary-labour-mp-phil-wilson-hitachi-and-the-tory-stunt-that-backfired-8540661.html

For some reason the Tories appeared to be doing their damnedest not to award this contract to Hitachi no doubt preferring to award it to Phil Hammond's unnamed bidder.

What a bunch of chancers this lot are in that they are now crowing about the latest announcement as if it was down to them.

Guidogate

The letter was never sent because the Tory MP wanted nothing to do with it.

by gerber Fri Mar 21, 2014 10:25 pm

HOM................

I have gone public on the other thread..................... i have surrendered, raised the white flag and give credence and kudos to Mr Wilson................

Well done

but I still doubt it would have actually gone to fruition if Mill or Brown were in No 10. Bliar yes ...............

The deal must have been started when tony was at the helm...... such deals take years and years.......

by Guest Fri Mar 21, 2014 10:30 pm

I believe I'm right that it was started in 2009 Gerbs, when Brown was at the helm lol

It's a bloody disgrace Irn and they should be made to give him a public apology.

by Guest Fri Mar 21, 2014 11:17 pm

Bloody good job they didn't get away with it or we would have lost the contract.

by Andy Sat Mar 22, 2014 1:08 am

The Tories are really tawdry nowadays. Where have the honest conviction Conservatives, such as Ann Widdecombe gone?

by gerber Sat Mar 22, 2014 1:38 am

Handy Andy wrote:The Tories are really tawdry nowadays. Where have the honest conviction Conservatives, such as Ann Widdecombe gone?

The true stalwart and was willing for charity to become an idol on come dancing............. Good for her, much lesser persons have turned down the offer due to public image.

Always admired her and wished Anne had got the leadership, much deserved, but maybe a little too headstrong and forthright.

Still a bloody good bat when one is needed and looking at the England test team........ one was and indeed is much needed.

by Guest Sat Mar 22, 2014 11:55 am

Well lets face it, anyone would be better than the scheming boys from the bully club.

by Guest Sat Mar 22, 2014 2:00 pm

Sassy wrote:Well lets face it, anyone would be better than the scheming boys from the bully club.

Watt Tyler. Razz

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Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

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Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired

Re: Labour MP Phil Wilson, Hitachi, Guido Fawkes and the Tory smear that backfired