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“Exciting photo finish is in prospect” – Charles Kennedy September 28, 2004

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Speaking to Lib Dem supporters at their Hartlepool by-election headquarters, Liberal Democrat Leader Charles Kennedy predicted a close result.

He said:

“There will be a very close finish between Labour and the Lib Dems here on Thursday night. A really exciting photo-finish is in prospect.

“If everyone who doesn’t want Labour to take Hartlepool for granted now unites behind Jody Dunn, then she will win.

“Labour have had it all their own way for far too long. After representing the seat for forty years and being in Government for seven years they have had nothing positive to say.

“Jody Dunn and the Liberal Democrats offer a positive alternative based on guaranteeing Hartlepool Hospital’s long term future, getting a better deal for pensioners and scrapping the unfair Council Tax.

“Labour’s by-election campaign has been highly misleading, negative and personally abusive. They have distorted totally Jody Dunn’s remarks about a very small number of Hartlepool residents. Labour are clearly running scared.

“Labour have now failed to re-assure people about the long term future of the hospital. It is only the fear of losing the seat to Jody Dunn that has forced them to offer any re-assurances.

“It is clear that Hartlepool people do not trust Labour on this issue. They want to use this by-election to help keep crucial services at Hartlepool’s hospital.

“The best way to guarantee the hospital’s future is to elect Jody Dunn as Hartlepool’s MP.”

Jody Dunn appointed to top crime-busting board September 28, 2004

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Jody Dunn has been appointed by the Government to a top crime-busting board – the Courts Board – that includes Hartlepool.

“I am really delighted,” says Jody. “This is a senior post and a sign of how I am regarded as being a strong and effective voice on issues of crime, law and order and know about the administration of the courts.

“The Courts Board are looking for motivated people who can work effectively to consider issues about the administration of the courts. Clearly my experience in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough Courts stand me in good stead.

“This will of course make Labour’s claim that I am soft on criminals all a bit daft when their own Government have made this appointment.”

Jody Dunn is a family law barrister working at Amicus Chambers operating principally out of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough Court.

Dirty tricks reach new low as fire brigade and police called to Lib Dem HQ September 28, 2004

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The dirty tricks that have marred the campaign to become the next Member of Parliament for Hartlepool reached a new low when the police and fire brigade had to be called in the early hours of the morning.

Expanding polystyrene was sprayed down the length of the front doors and the double doors then chained shut making exit from inside impossible – although staff were still working at the time (approximately 3am).

Agent Richard Pinnock said: “This was an extremely stupid and dangerous stunt. I still had staff working in the back offices when this took place. Had there been a serious incident they would not have been able to made an exit via the front doors.

“We are grateful for the police and fire brigade but regret that they have to be called out because of stupidity and vandalism like this. Obviously this attack was politically motivated – I just hope that this is the last of these silly stunts.

“The people of Hartlepool are bored and fed up with this sort of thing – people want an honest debate about the issues.”