Challenge these disgraced MPs

THE HATED Salford Labour MP Hazel Blears, who dodged a £13,000 tax bill and then "found" £13,000 when this was exposed, continues to enjoy "110% support" from Salford Labour party leaders.

The cheek of these out-of-touch politicians is incredible. A former Labour MP criticised Blears for being thick-skinned: "She could donate her skin to London Zoo for the next time they need a graft on a rhino."

There are no more than 12 months to a general election, with commentators openly speculating about an autumn poll.

Salford Socialist Party members are initiating a discussion on how a broad left-wing and working-class challenge could be mounted, bringing together socialists, anti-racists, community campaigners and trade unionists.

The millions enraged at the shameless looting of our money by the politicians and the bosses need an outlet for their anger.

Disgraced MPs should be challenged as widely as possible. Several campaigns and organisations are already committed to standing. Wirral Against the Cuts on Merseyside agreed to contest the 2010 council elections.

Socialists will seek to take part in discussions about how a broad democratic campaign could be built appealing to the thousands in Preston and in other cities of the North West, looking for an alternative.

Socialists, trade unionists and community activists in Wigan are looking to challenge all the sitting politicians, by building a popular electoral alliance initially on the political basis of the People's Charter. Widespread challenges to all the main parties are clearly possible.

Hugh Caffrey, Manchester