Questions over 'Muslim brother' poll claim
Complaints about the tactics of a Keighley Tory candidate in this month's council elections who allegedly urged voters to back their "Muslim brother" are being referred to the Electoral Commission, the Government has announced.
Commons Leader Jack Straw said such exhortations are "totally unacceptable" and urged MPs on all sides to treat them as such.
He was responding to Keighley Labour MP Ann Cryer, who called for a debate on electoral law, with particular reference to Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
She referred to her Commons motion which condemns the behaviour of "certain Keighley Conservatives who, under the direction of their candidate Zafar Ali, used the tactics of intimidation, treating and discriminatory propaganda to secure electoral victory in Keighley Central ward on May 3".
Raising the issue during exchanges on future Parliamentary business, she added: "The electorate were invited to vote for their 'Muslim brother'.
"Would it be appropriate for you and me to go round at the next election inviting our electorates to vote for their 'Christian sister or brother'? I think it would be inappropriate action".
Mr Straw replied: "I hope this practice is treated as being unacceptable by all parties in the House.
"We are making arrangements to draw to the attention of the Electoral Commission the practices - which are unacceptable - which took place in your constituency and a number of other constituencies."
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