Pubdate: Thu, 01 Nov 2001
Source: East Anglian Daily Times (UK)
Copyright: 2001 Eastern Counties Newspapers Group Ltd
Contact:  http://www.suffolk-now.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/913
Author: Jonathan Barnes and Graham Dines

CANNABIS CANDIDATE FOR BY-ELECTION

CONVICTED drug smuggler Howard Marks revealed last night the Legalise 
Cannabis Alliance's man to stand at the Ipswich by-election -- a musician 
fighting a possession charge on human rights issues.

The world's most famous drug baron used his show at the town's Corn 
Exchange to announce the intention of Ipswich man John Ramirez to contest 
the town's parliamentary seat.

Performing arts student Mr Ramirez, 36, was in the audience for the latest 
date of Marks' acclaimed An Audience With Mr Nice tour of the UK. He is 
currently on bail after fighting a charge of possessing cannabis on human 
rights grounds.

Police discovered a lump of the drug during a raid at his Faraday Road home 
in July, but Mr Ramirez argued officers were wrong to search the house he 
shared with his wife and eight-year-old son.

It prompted the Suffolk College student to join the Legalise Cannabis 
Alliance, which asked him to be its candidate for the November 22 
by-election caused by the death of Ipswich Labour MP Jamie Cann.

Former St Joseph's College pupil Mr Ramirez, who writes music for theatre 
productions and has worked as a music technician at Middlesex University, 
said he was "very excited" about standing as the Legalise Cannabis Alliance 
candidate.

"I believe it is important someone stands up and offers the opportunity to 
those in the community to express their own belief and support in the 
cannabis debate," he added.

"This is the first time that cannabis users in Ipswich will be able to 
express their own sympathies in a democratic context without the concern of 
being personally condemned for the way in which they choose to live their 
private lives."

Meanwhile, members of the Ipswich Labour Party will meet tonight to choose 
their candidate for the by-election, but the town's Conservatives have 
delayed their selection meeting by 48 hours.

The writ for the by-election is expected to be moved in the Commons this 
morning with polling day on November 22.

More than 400 Labour Party members have been invited to attend their 
meeting in a marquee at Ipswich Town Football Club, starting at 8pm.

Three candidates have been shortlisted by the party's national executive -- 
Croydon councillor Amanda Campbell, who fought Billericay at the General 
Election; Chris Mole, leader of Suffolk County Council; and Jan Royal, a 
spokesman for the European Commission in Brussels who is a former member of 
Neil Kinnock's staff.

About 200 Conservatives will gather at Westerfield House Hotel at 10.30am 
on Saturday to choose a candidate.

The Liberal Democrats are expected to name former Labour Party member Tessa 
Munt, who fought Tim Yeo in Suffolk South at the General Election, as their 
candidate before the weekend.

Ipswich Socialist Alliance has reselected Pete Leech to stand in the 
by-election, having contested the seat in June's General Election. It will 
be putting forward a platform against the war in Afghanistan, improved 
funding of public services and against privatisations.
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