Northcote demands investigation into school letter

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Ann Keen accused of using children to distribute propaganda

Alexander Northcote, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth, is demanding an official investigation after a letter from Ann Keen was placed in the school bags of children at Strand-on-the-Green school.

He has written to Mark Gilks, Chief Executive of Hounslow Council, as well as raising the issue with the school direct.

Northcote said, “This is outrageous. Any communication from an MP – just weeks before a General Election – has to be political. Self-serving letters from a failing Labour Government MP should not be given to children to take home. Ann Keen’s office must have been closely involved."

He added, "A child’s school bag should contain gym kit and books, not party political propaganda."

A spokesperson for Ann Keen said, "Ann Keen recently visited the school on the invitation of the Headteacher and the Chair of Governors. Ann was made aware of problems with previous applications and immediately made representations on the school's behalf to seek a solution. This is an important issue to pupils, parents and teachers and Ann Keen is simply carrying out her duty as their representative in Parliament."

Whilst at the school the MP for Brentford and Isleworth was able to see plans to upgrade the existing buildings with 3 new classrooms a lift and new toilet block.

Her Tory opponent in the forthcoming election said that the investigation should seek to find out who was responsible and determine whether any teachers were involved.

March 31, 2005