Woolas appeal verdict

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Update: It appears that Phil Woolas has accepted defeat in his bid to return to the commons. The Total Politics blog reports him as saying: “It is the end of the road – I am out”

Phil Woolas has lost his appeal to overturn the guilty verdict handed down by the special election court in Oldham East.

The guilty verdict from the election court was upheld, but Woolas has the right to take his appeal to a judicial review. However that is a long process. You can read the full verdict here.

Michael Crick is reporting that shadow health secretary was with Woolas at the High Court today, but as a friend, not a cabinet minister. Crick has also been told by Lib Dems that they believe January 13th is the earliest possible date for a by-election.

The Labour Party will “consider this in detail” and decide if further action is appropriate in addition to Woolas’s administrative suspension.

Ladbrokes have Labour as the hot favourites for any potential by-election (1/5 Lab, 6/1 LD, 8/1 Con)

Speaking on the Daily Politics, George Howarth said that fellow Woolas supporters would be willing to financially support taking a further appeal to the Supreme Court:

“It is a big move, but there are people who have been very generous in contributing to us the money needed for the action he’s taken. I’m sure people would be willing to provide further support if he decides he wants to go the whole way and go to a further appeal in the Supreme Court.”

More news as we have it.