GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNING SUSPENDED DUE TO POPE'S DEATH

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 3rd Apr 2005

Campaigning for the general election was suspended in seats in Leeds as a result of the death of Pope John Paul II.

In Leeds North West, which is the top Liberal Democrat target seat in West Yorkshire, Cllr Greg Mulholland, who is a practising Catholic, suspended canvassing as a mark of respect on hearing the news.

As a result of the considerable media interest in the seat, Channel 4 News were due to come to the constituency to film the Liberal Democrat team in action but this had to be cancelled.

Cllr Mulholland said, "It seemed appropriate to suspend our plans for the day. Pope John Paul II was a Pope who reached out to other Christians and people of all faiths and it is right that we show our respect to him and all he achieved in his amazing life."

National parties also agreed to 'cease hostilities' for the day. The general election, which was expected to be called today is now expected to be called tomorrow.