Fear of losing seats

In the past they have mildly criticised each other in the cosy relationship they have with each other, never straying outside their comfort zone.

However, since I helped set up the Independent Group in Rotherham which has challenged how the large political parties operate, the whole of the venom of both parties seems to have been directed at me.

Much of what they are doing is to try and inundate me with letters to the Press in order to keep me tied down responding to the scurrilous and totally inaccurate criticism instead of being out there meeting the electorate and listening to their concerns.

The only conclusion I can draw is that they are both afraid of losing seats to the Independents in the wards where they have previously not been a threat to each other and from the fantastic response I am getting from the people of Rotherham I don't think I will need to be answering to Denis MacShane and the like for very much longer.

What a compliment they have paid all of the Independents by recognising that we are a credible force to be dealt with.

Peter Thirlwall, Parliamentary candidate for Rotherham.