Tory suspended over anti-gay comments will still stand for MP

By Rory Reynolds

A TORY candidate suspended by the party for a homophobic attack on gays will still appear to be standing for the party on ballot papers on May 6 – because it is too late to have his name removed.

Philip Lardner was axed by the party as their candidate for North Ayrshire and Arran yesterday after he had claimed “most” people agreed with his view that homosexuality is not “normal”.

But last night a spokeswoman for the Electoral Commission UK confirmed that it was too late to remove Lardner’s name from the ballot papers – and that the Conservative Party cannot now select another candidate.

She said: “Parties cannot remove a candidate from the ballot paper at this time, nor can they deselect a candidate.

“They also cannot remove their logo or emblem from next to the candidate’s name, and whoever was listed as the candidate when nominations closed last Tuesday will remain on the ballot papers.

TV FESTIVAL SPECIAL: The Wire creator David Simon – If you don’t have a message, why do it?

By Jenna Raffaelli

@ the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival

THE CREATOR of hit US television drama The Wire said he revels in his work being used as a “political football” to stir debate.

His comments came after Tory MP Chris Grayling compared inner city Birmingham with the gritty streets of Baltimore, Maryland, portrayed in David Simon’s smash TV show.

He said: “One thing I always hope for is to get off the entertainment pages and become a source of discussion.

“It hasn’t happened in other countries – but it has happened here.”

Importance

He was talking at the International Television Festival in Edinburgh today(Fri) at an event hosted by newspaper and broadcast critic Charlie Brooker.

Simon also said that he had chosen a controversial title for his show – ‘Fuck the casual viewer’ – to refer to the importance of viewing figures in the industry.

It took a while for The Wire to become the sensation it is today, but David said that he likes to make shows with a message – even if no-one watches them.

He said: “If you don’t have a message, why do it? If you had to get everybody to watch one show you really couldn’t say anything in it. You have to believe in your story not your audience.”

First airing in the States in 2002, the show came to an end after 60 episodes and five series last year, but has become a cult show in countries around the world with some commentators describing it as the greatest show ever made.

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