The BBC is reporting the sad news that the oldest MP in the House of Commons, Piara Khabra, has passed away at the age of 82. Lib Dem Voice sends condolences to his family, friends and staff. Mr. Khabra was an expert on India and completed the 2006 Sport Relief charity run – perhaps a first for an octagenerian MP? He represented Ealing Southall, which he won with nearly 50% of the vote in 2005, with the Lib Dems in second place on 24%.
Update: In the comments section, numerous posters confirm the reports I’ve heard today that Labour had been tele-canvassing the seat for the past week. Tim Prater also points readers at the 2005 result displayed on the Ealing Lib Dems website (hosted by the very popular Prater Raines Partners).
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That would explain why I – along with quite a few of my neighbours – have been called by the Labour party from Bishop Auckland recently.
I am not sure if I think it is sick or just efficient for a party to be making phone calls when someone is on their deathbed.
What was the nature of the call? Voter ID?
Someone I know in Ealing told me that they were called by Labour last week too.
Considering the result at the 2005 General Election, when the Lib Dems increased their vote by over 14% and moved into second place, I’m not surprised if Labour are worried about the Lib Dem capacity to take the seat.
You can see the full 2005 Ealing Southall General Election result on the Ealing Lib Dems web site.
I had emails reporting specific voter ID canvassing calls in Southall last week from Bishop Auckland.
You lot have got a bloody cheek.