Warning over ‘nepotism’ MEP appointment

Bradford East MP David Ward suggested he too may have “concerns” at the possibility of Diana Wallis, the long-serving Yorkshire MEP, being succeeded by her own husband Stewart Arnold – but issued a warning to fellow Lib Dems to stop airing their dirty linen in public over the affair.

Mr Arnold was the Lib Dems’ second-choice candidate at the last elections and so can automatically take over the seat, following his wife’s mid-term resignation.

He has said he is “taking soundings” from fellow party members before making his decision.

This week Lib Dem party whip Chris Davies made his feelings very clear, quitting his own job in protest and hitting out at what he described as “nepotism”.

But in a barely-veiled warning, Mr Ward said: “My advice to colleagues is to back off and stay out of this while it goes through the correct processes.

“I’m somewhat disappointed by the reaction of certain people. I will express my concerns in the appropriate way, through the appropriate channels.”