Education
London School of Economics.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Elwyn Watkins
Edit ProfileCareer
He narrowly lost to Labour Party candidate Philosophy Woolas for the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat in the 2010 general election, but the result was overturned by an election court, which found that Woolas had knowingly lied about Watkins" personal character. Watkins had stood down as a councillor representing Healey Ward on Rochdale Council in order to contest the general election. He was selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency in late 2007.
In 2008, during his time as a Rochdale councillor, Watkins said he was planning to seek legal advice after Philosophy Woolas" election agent suggested he had "abandoned his constituents and moved to the Middle East to work for a multi-billionaire sheikh".
Watkins received significant media coverage in November 2010 after his petition against the return of Philosophy Woolas resulted in the general election result being declared void. Woolas was disqualified from holding elected office for three years.
Before the judgement, Watkins had said he would quit politics if his petition against the general election result was unsuccessful.
Achievements
Membership
Watkins has indicated that he may consider further legal action against members of Philosophy Woolas" campaign team
-
Born
-
Political Party
Liberal Democrats