Father and son battle it out for voter sympathy

There have been many combinations of family electoral success in the UK. In the House of Commons we have husband and wife (Nicholas and Ann Winterton), brothers (David and Ed Miliband), sisters (Angela and Maria Eagle), and many more examples. In local council chambers, many husband and wife teams exist. However, what none of them have ever done is stand against each other in the same seat!

Wigan is going to be different this year. Tory councillor Richard Clayton is being challenged by his son, Richard Clayton Jnr, over his matrimonial behaviour. In this election Junior is standing as an Independent. He admits he is "partially" battling his dad as a protest against his father's conduct and says he is concerned about Coun Clayton's refusal to heed earlier pleas to stand down because of it. Well, adultery has never been a reason for being chucked out of office, even clerical office. Lying about it, ah, that's another matter.

The electors of Orrell Ward, Wigan, must be somewhat bemused. Similar name, same address, different parties. Definitely the odds are on a split vote.