A SPANIARD could send Labour Euro MPs loco, says local MEP Gary Titley.

He forecasts trouble ahead among the EU's left-wingers with the appointment of Enriquez Baron Crespo as leader of the Socialist group.

The former parliament president should soon take over from London Labour MEP Pauline Green, who has just resigned after five years in the job.

The Socialist group fared badly in the recent Euro elections and lost its position as the largest group in the parliament to the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), which includes Britain's Tory MEPs.

Mr Titley said he was sorry to see Ms Green go, and blamed the German contingent for wanting to get rid of her.

"It's dragged on and been very messy, and I think relationships between us will be less harmonious," said the North West Labour MEP.

"I was definitely happy to stick with Pauline. She brought a of of decisiveness to the job and helped focus people on the key issues.

"We're no longer the biggest group and we need a new way of working, but this is a mistake - I don't think people have thought it through."

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