25/09/2009

Airport 'Hero' To Run As MP

A Glaswegian awarded for his bravery in tackling would-be airport terrorists is to vie for a Parliamentary seat.

Baggage handler John Smeaton was dubbed a national hero after helping restrain two suicide bombers who drove a car into Glasgow airport in 2007.

The Queen's gallantry medal recipient has now announced plans to stand as an MP at a forthcoming by-election.

Mr Smeaton said he would contest former Commons Speaker Michael Martin's constituency.

Lord Martin resigned as MP for Glasgow North East in June, and now sits in the House of Lords.

Mr Smeaton said he intends to stand as an independent candidate, after expressing anger over the MPs expenses scandal.

"I just think in politics now, we the ordinary working people have been taken advantage of by politicians, especially by the political elite," he said in an online broadcast.

Mr Smeaton's campaign has been backed by the Jury Team, a group formed in protest at the current political system at Westminster.

(PR/GK)

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