Ex-Labour leader who compared MP to an elephant banned from standing in elections

Oct 1 2009 by John Siddle, Ormskirk Advertiser

A VETERAN former leader of the local Labour Party has been banned from standing in elections after comparing MP Rosemary Cooper to an elephant.

Alan Bullen, who retired in May 2008 after 31 years’ service, cannot stand in party colours until after the May 2012 elections.

Labour HQ in London took action after a controversial speech made at a council ceremony where he is said to have repeatedly alluded to Ms Cooper’s weight, though didn’t say her name.

Labour’s compliance unit said Mr Bullen, 72, should not be given further platforms for attacks on party colleagues.

Two key Labour group activists in West Lancashire have also been threatened with being thrown out of the party for “personal attacks” on the West Lancs MP.

Skelmersdale county councillor Bob Pendleton and party member Jude Hanlon face suspension and expulsion if there are further breaches.

Ms Cooper refused to be drawn on the incidents, saying: "This is an internal Labour Party matter.

“My priority is fighting hard to deliver the best possible deal for the people of West Lancashire.”