Lib Dem candidate Greg Stone steps out of the running

Jan 12 2010 by William Green, The Journal

Accusing the Lib Dems of “dithering”, he said: “Had something like this happened in the Labour Party or indeed the Conservative Party, the perpetrator would be thrown out straight away.

“It shows Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats for the shambles they are.”

Mr Stone wrote that Foreign Secretary David Miliband looked “monged”, wondered “how much botox is Hazel Blears on?” in reference to the then Communities Secretary, and said another MP looked drunk.

He also called Labour MP Sharon Hodgson “the thickest MP in the House” and hoped rival Nick Brown “might not be around after the General Election”.

Last night, Lucy Keating, chairman of Newcastle Liberal Democrats issued a statement, saying: “Greg Stone has offered his resignation as Parliamentary candidate for Newcastle East which I have accepted on behalf of the party.

“Greg has concluded that remaining as a candidate would allow the Labour Party to distract attention from the real issues, which the public want addressed in the forthcoming general election.

“We will select a new candidate as rapidly as possible to continue to campaign on behalf of the people of Newcastle East for the fairer society that the Liberal Democrats stand for.”

Ron Beadle, the Lib Dem’s candidate in Newcastle North, said: “It is very unfortunate that Greg Stone has decided to resign, but understandable given the circumstances.”

He added the Lib Dems would unite around a new Parliamentary candidate in Newcastle East.

Mr Stone himself could not be reached for a comment, but The Journal understands he will fight for re-election as a councillor on Newcastle City Council in May.