Joanna Lumley will not run for Hemsworth MP role

Published Date: 01 June 2009
ACTRESS Joanna Lumley has poured cold water on hopes that she could stand as an MP for Hemsworth.
Independent councillors Roy Bickerton and Kay Binnersley had called for the star - who recently made headlines over her successful fight to allow Gurkhas to live in Britain - to stand against current MP Jon Trickett.

But a spokesman for Ms Lumley told the Express: "Joanna has no plans to stand as an MP. She has always made it very clear that the Gurkha issue is a one-off event. She has now returned to acting which is where she wishes to remain."

Couns Bickerton and Binnersley had hoped that Ms Lumley would be swayed by long-standing links with the Ghurka regiment - the local Featherstone branch of the Royal British Legion is thought to be the only UK group to donate directly to Gurkha veterans.

Coun Bickerton, who is also mayor of Featherstone, said: "She would be absolutely fabulous. I would like to see her come in and sort a lot of issues out that have needed sorting for a long while.

"She has already proved she can go beyond politics to represent people. I think a lot of people would be delighted to see her here."

But Mr Trickett said the invitation was "mischief making" and "publicity seeking".

He said: "I have met Joanna Lumley at Downing Street and worked with her on this issue. She has been satisfied with every single request.

"I recently sat down with representatives from British Legion branches in the area and we are trying to get a proper package in place for the heroes who have represented Britain."