HESWALL's would-be Labour MP Ben Chapman squares up to John Major's Conservative Government for the Wirral South by-election, on February 27, but is it a mask for a snap General Election?

At Westminster, where the writ for the by-election was moved on Monday, MPs were more interested in what it showed about Mr Major's calculations for a General Election date.

The by-election writ was received at Wallasey Town Hall yesterday and the nomination book opened until February 13. "We haven't had any names registered yet but are expecting a rush of nominations," said an electoral officer.

Besides the three main contenders, Chapman, Byrom and Clucas, there will be a number of colourful 'outsider' candidates.

For example, Londoner Tony Samuelson will be based at the Glegg Arms, Heswall, from Monday to fight the by-election on one burning issue - against Conservatives pouncing on tobacco companies.

The campaigning pensioner has asked the Privy Council to grant petitioners an inquiry into the tobacco industry. If this fails, he plans to 'head-butt' the Tories in Wirral with an eight foot cigarette character.

His "Mr Butt" character comes from Seattle and is based on a cartoon character. He became famous in the USA by dogging the footsteps of Bob Dole in the recent presidential election.

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