Hero In Election Denial

Jun 15 2008

Smeato Says No To Indian Terror Film

JOHN SMEATON has dismissed suggestions he will stand for election against Tory David Davis.

The Glasgow Airport hero rejected gossip at Westminster that he could become an anti-terrorist candidate for Labour.

Davis sensationally quit as shadow home secretary on Thursday, announcing plans to resign as MP for the northern England seat of Haltemprice and Howden.

He wanted to trigger a debate on the Labour government's decision to extend the time terror suspects can be held without charge to 42 days.

But Smeaton, who was was given a hero's welcome when he appeared at the Labour conference in Bournemouth last year, said: "I am not standing for or against anyone.

"Why would I stand against David Davis? I am not politically-inclined. I am a former baggage handler. I don't have a scooby where this came from."

Smeaton won the Queen's Gallantry Medal for helping police during the terrorist attack.

A Labour spokesman said: "Labour have not started the process of taking action, nor will we do so, until a by-election is called."