Smeato denies rumours he will step down as by-election candidate

Published on Wednesday 14 October 2009 22:19

THE hero of the Glasgow Airport terror attack has denied reports that he is preparing to step down as a candidate in the upcoming by-election.

Former baggage handler John 'Smeato' Smeaton is standing as an independent candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election, sponsored by a new party called the Jury Team.

However, doubts emerged yesterday about his continued candidacy with reports that he may quit for health reasons.

There were also unconfirmed reports that he had come under pressure from family members to pull out after he struggled at his initial press conference.

Yesterday, Mr Smeaton, who went into a coma last year after an asthma attack, confirmed he had not been well but said he still intended to stand.

He insisted: "I am committed to the people of Glasgow North East and to this election.

"I have not been well the past two weeks but I am on the mend and look forward to getting out into the constituency and talking to people over the next few days."

Meanwhile, former Big Brother runner-up Mikey Hughes launched his campaign as a candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election.

The radio presenter and producer said he hoped to become "the next David Blunkett" and have more disabled people in Parliament.

He has called for Big Brother-style accommodation for MPs.