Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman denies signing up for anti-alternative vote campaign

Dec 31 2010 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

CAMPAIGNERS have been embarrassed after wrongly saying Huddersfield’s MP backs their cause.

Pressure group NO2AV claimed to have the support of more than 100 Labour MPs – including Barry Sheerman.

The campaigners are pushing for a ‘no’ vote in the referendum in May on introducing the alternative vote (AV) system for general elections.

But yesterday Mr Sheerman said he was still undecided on the controversial proposal.

NO2AV claimed on Wednesday that the Huddersfield MP was among 114 Labour Members of Parliament who planned to vote ‘no’ in the referendum.

The Examiner had contacted Mr Sheerman on December 16 to ask his opinion on AV. At the time, the Huddersfield MP said he was undecided but would make up his mind over Christmas.

The Examiner contacted Mr Sheerman yesterday to tell him he was named on NO2AV’s website as one of the Labour MPs backing its campaign.

But the Huddersfield MP said he was still undecided on the issue.

“I’m thinking about it, I’m pondering it, I’m reading about it,” he said.

“I will make up my mind early in the New Year.”

Mr Sheerman criticised NO2AV for claiming he backed its campaign against the alternative vote.

“I want to know why I’m on this list. I’ve never spoken to NO2AV,” he said.