RACE ROW CANDIDATE WON'T BE STANDING FOR TORIES

08-03-2010

Sandwell’s Tory leader has said that a prospective local election candidate embroiled in a racism row won’t be standing for the party after all.

The Stirrer reported calls on Saturday by Labour councillor Derek Rowley for the withdrawal of Tony Roper from the Princes End seat.

Roper had reported Rowley to the local government standards board after being accused of racism – but the Labour man was cleared on all three counts.

Conservative leader Tony Ward initially commented that he "would be discussing it with his colleagues” but now says that Roper was never a confirmed candidate in any case.

He said last night: “We don’t have any official candidates yet.

“As far as I am aware Mr Roper is on a list with a number of other people but I would very much doubt whether he will be a candidate.

“I don’t think he will.”

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