Residents deserve trustworthy politicians

4.39.42am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Apr 2005

The Southall Gazette allegations about Southall Cllr Saroe put Labour's behaviour under the microscope

In response to the claims by the Southall Gazette that Labour Cllr Joginder Saroe was found to be working out in a gym and owning a business while claiming incapacity benefit, as well as breaking various planning and housing regulations, Liberal Democrat candidate for Ealing Southall, Nigel Bakhai said, "I don't wish to comment on this particular case except to say that if the allegations in the Southall Gazette are true, and the evidence looks pretty damning, Cllr Saroe must go. However, I am rather more concerned about the wider implications of cases like these on our democratic institutions and electoral process in the context of the General Election campaign.

"After many years of Tory sleaze and impropriety, it is now Labour's behaviour in government, both nationally and locally in this case, that is under the microscope and I believe allegations like these make it so much harder for politicians of all political parties to persuade residents to

vote in elections.  Residents must be able to trust their elected politicians at all levels are sincere, honest and genuinely working for them and their community, or all the hard work that is done by the majority of local politicians is undone by the actions of a small minority who break the rules or abuse the system. That is why I believe politicians of all parties should aim to set the highest example in their behaviour in public life and publicly condemn actions like these if they are proven to be true."