Ann Keen accused of using lawyers 'to stifle democratic process'

Legal action threatened against Tory candidate and local newspapers

The battle for the Brentford and Isleworth constituency could end up in the courts amid threats of legal action. Labour candidate, Ann Keen, has instructed her solicitors to write to both her Conservative opponent and the Newsquest group who publish the Brentford, Chiswick and Isleworth Times.

She is accusing them both of persistently denigrating her performance as an MP in a manner that is libellous.

The threatened action against Alexander Northcote concerns comments he made in the newspaper. He criticised Ann Keen for what he claims is her failure to perform her constituency duties, not responding to constituents' letters and e-mails and not holding regular surgeries. Ann Keen has told him through her lawyers that if he repeats the claims she will start formal proceedings against him.

Mr. Northcote said, "My view is that, as an MP, your record and performance should be open to fair comment in public debate. To claim that you are the victim of libel from a political opponent makes me think she is trying to stifle debate, rather than stimulate the democratic process. Legal threats will not stop me commenting on her effectiveness, either in public debate or in the local media."

There was also criticism of Ann Keen for her recent failure to attend either of the two hustings meetings recently held in the constituency. All the other candidates turned up but she declined due to previous commitments. She also failed to respond to a request to participate in an on-line hustings which this site was planning. It was decided not to proceed as all the candidates were not participating.

Ann Keen's office did not respond to our request for a comment on this matter. In a statement issued to the Brentford, Chiswick and Isleworth times, a spokesman for her said, "Ann is meeting with constituents every day, listening to their concerns and views. She is meeting mums, community groups, pensioners, union members and local residents on doorsteps and at various meetings across the constituency."

The action against the local paper, the Brentford, Chiswick and Isleworth Times relates in part to a letter from a constituent who claimed to have been poorly represented by Ann Keen when her assistance was requested. The paper is now showing letters from readers to Ann Keen in advance to give her the opportunity to respond in the same publication.

Ann Keen is defending a sizeable majority and remains odds on favourite to be relected on May 5th.

April 30, 2005