Former Labour MP Phil Woolas today lost his High Court bid to overturn a decision stripping him of his Commons seat.

A specially convened election court declared void the general election result in Oldham East and Saddleworth.

It removed ex-minister Mr Woolas as the MP and banned him from standing for election for three years after finding him guilty of deliberately lying about a rival, Liberal Democrat Elwyn Watkins.

The guilty Mr Woolas said after the ruling: "It is the end of the road - I am out."

Liberal Democrat candidate for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Elwyn Watkins, said: "This judgment makes it clear once again that if you knowingly lie in your election campaign and deceive your constituents you should be kicked out of parliament. This is a victory for the people of Oldham and Saddleworth.

"Once again, I am grateful for the sterling work and support my excellent legal team have provided throughout and for the considered verdict of the High Court Judges. Now it is time to move on and for the by-election to take place. The people of Oldham East and Saddleworth have been without an MP for long enough. They need to be able to choose a new Member of Parliament as soon as possible."

"With just 103 votes between Labour and myself at the General Election, it is going to be a very close contest. I hope that local people will back someone who has a track record for standing up for what he believes in."