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Scrapbook’s editor is acting as election agent for one Michael Green, a candidate who changed his name via deed poll to stand against Grant Shapps — using the moniker employed by the Tory chairman for his dodgy internet marketing business.
Cue widespread mirth from the fourth estate, among others:
A candidate is to stand against Grant Shapps in his constituency using name Michael Green http://t.co/BsAsYiJc3q pic.twitter.com/hrI8Jr8daT
— ITV News (@itvnews) April 10, 2015
Go to bed with Michael Green, wake up with Grant Shapps https://t.co/vLTi7MCTgy
— Michael Deacon (@MichaelPDeacon) April 10, 2015
A candidate called Michael Green is running against Grant Shapps. pic.twitter.com/zymAoeObPH
— Tim Stanley (@timothy_stanley) April 10, 2015
Candidate called Michael Green is to stand against Grant Shapps in Welwyn Hatfield (h/t @suttonnick)
— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) April 10, 2015
Who's that standing against @grantshapps? A one 'Michael Green', where have I heard that name before… #SunNation pic.twitter.com/u8hnMaF0ux
— #SunNation (@SunNation) April 10, 2015
Shapps has reacted with characteristic deftness … by (hilariously) attempting to blame the move on, errr, Ed Miliband and the unions, telling the Welwyn Hatfield Times:
“With so many important local issues – from fighting the incinerator, to the future of our local hospital, it’s extraordinary that a Union funded Labour website have parachuted in someone who will effectively stand against their own candidate.
“Ed Miliband claims he wants a clean fight, yet his own union bosses appear to be behind this rouse. It’s another demonstration of Labour’s chaos.
Nice try, Grant.
The nominations required were gathered from random strangers in the middle of Hatfield town centre. Numerous people approached refused to sign the forms on the basis that they were Labour members or supporters.
Stood in Hatfield town centre (like a plonker) getting last minute signatures. Michael Green vs Shapps is ON! pic.twitter.com/lltFfS31BX
— Laurence Durnan (@PSbookEditor) April 9, 2015
And despite this blog’s proud connections with the labour movement (lower case L), the Michael Green campaign has not received a penny from a trade union.
The £500 deposit was funded by small donations matched by a private donor.