London - A 71-year-old woman yesterday claimed she was prevented from asking Mr John Prescott a question during a campaign visit.
Mrs Anneliese Sellingham, who is an active member of her local Littleborough pensioners' group in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, had wanted to talk to the Deputy Prime Minister about Labour's policies for the elderly but she said:
"Four people crowded me in and would not let me speak to him.
"Two burly men just pushed me away.
"To me it's not democratic. They are elected by us and we are not able to speak to them."
A Labour Party spokesman said Cabinet members were not always able to speak to everybody although if Mrs Sellingham put her questions in writing he would ensure Mr Prescott would look into the matter.
The incident took place while Mr Prescott was inspecting part of the Rochdale Canal which is currently undergoing renovation.