THE strength of the "Taylor effect", named after Wyre Forest's MP, is gathering pace in Parliament.

This week the campaigning former Kidderminster Hospital consultant had no less than five namesakes sponsoring an early day motion in the House of Commons.

Dr Richard Taylor has already put the wind up the Labour Party after trouncing minister David Lock by 17,630 votes at the last General Election.

Party activists have warned candidates in this year's local elections to beware of the "Taylor effect".

Normally, politicians have to wait a few good years to be held in such regard.

But Dr Taylor has proved it is possible to clinch victory by campaigning on an overriding single issue - in his case the grossly unpopular decision to downgrade Kidderminster Hospital.

However, he was joined by namesakes from across the party spectrum in the motion to back the Association of Chief Police Officers' proposals to enable more criminal trials to finish.

David Taylor, Labour, Ian Taylor, John Taylor and Sir Teddy Taylor, Conservative, and Matthew Taylor, Liberal Democrat, all sponsored the motion.

Dr Taylor said: "I hope this is another demonstration of the Taylor effect which Wyre Forest voters have initiated.

"I believe this is the first time six members with the same name have tabled an EDM and it will attract publicity and widespread support.

"I hope other members who share the same concerns will add their names to the EDM."

Dr Taylor is concerned about so many trials being terminated because witnesses and victims are unwilling to testify due to intimidation or loss of confidence in the criminal justice system.

He said: "This alarming situation was brought to my attention by the chief constable of the West Mercia Constabulary.

"I am pleased to have obtained cross party support for the ACPO's proposals."

Early day motions can be tabled daily for debate. They are seldom debated but their real purpose is the number of other MPs who have signed in support.

The amount of support can help an MP seeking to persuade the Government to address concerns in other ways.