Clegg: Labour lied through the election

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, comments on the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election:

“We’re having this by-election because five high court judges showed that the Labour party and Phil Woolas have lied his way through the general election and stoked up racial tension for narrow party political advantage.

“There’s only one reason why people have got the opportunity to have a fairer say on who they want to be their MP – because of the courage and bravery of Elwyn Watkins. I think Elwyn Watkins would be an outstanding local MP for this local area.

“He’s shown he’s tough, he’ll be a tough MP for tough times. He took the court case because he felt seriously wronged.”