Source: Telegraph
Tory MP aims to woo Liverpool voters by applauding 'role model' Gary Neville
The Manchester United captain, who famously 'can't stand Liverpool people', was hailed by MP Chris Grayling in a speech to the home affairs committee. [LNB]'I have spent time on the streets of Toxteth with some very good youth workers, who told me that kids are growing up without any parental guidance at home,' said Mr Grayling. 'If I was to pick a good role model, it would be Gary Neville, an estimable professional over a long period of time,' he added. [LNB] Related ArticlesGerrard keen to extend dealArbeloa: Bigger than The BeatlesNew kit designs for big fourKeith Vaz reward letter: Government pressed for explanationDavid Camerons welfare proposals are soundTories pledge to end police caution cultureSpeaking about ideas to tackle gang life and knife crime, Mr Grayling singled out Newcastle's Joey Barton - a Scouser - as someone who has set the wrong type of example for young people. [LNB]Described by the Liverpool Echo as a Manchester United fan, Grayling has been appointed by Conservative leader David Cameron to revive the Tories' fortunes on Merseyside. [LNB]Grayling has lobbied for industrial contracts to be awarded to Liverpool companies, but his admiration for Neville will win him few friends in the city. [LNB]Neville may have been articulating a widely-held view when he said 'I can't stand Liverpool, I can't stand Liverpool people, I can't stand anything to do with them.' [LNB]But those comments, and his ostentatious celebrations in front of Liverpool fans following United's victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford in 2006, have helped cement his hate-figure status at Anfield. [LNB]Neville ran half the length of the pitch to celebrate Rio Ferdinand's winner in front of the travelling fans, and was fined £5,000 by the FA for improper conduct. [LNB]
