A PROSPECTIVE Conservative parliamentary candidate has urged the Government to throw out plans to give convicted prisoners the vote.
Deborah Dunleavy, who plans to stand for Bolton North-east at the next general election, said that jail sentences must include the loss of voting rights.
Her remarks follow a ruling by European judges who claim it is unfair that prisoners cannot vote.
The Government is considering plans to follow the European line and change the UK's voting system.
"I suspect the victims of crime will find it deeply disturbing that convicted muggers, burglars and even murderers could soon be voting in local and national elections," said Mrs Dunleavy.
"I believe that a jail sentence, by definition, is a serious punishment, and should involve a loss of citizenship rights."
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