assisted Independent candidate Stuart Hayward in the 1989 general election.

"I certainly didn't work on Mr. Hayward's campaign team or give him any assistance,'' he said.

The allegations that he was an active supporter of Mr. Hayward were made by former Deputy Premier and Pembroke West Central MP Clarence James, who labelled Mr. West a "political chameleon'' without credibility.

Dr. James spoke out after Mr. West revealed the Pembroke West Central branch had criticised their MP Ann Cartwright DeCouto for repeatedly defying Government.

Mr. West, Pembroke West Central branch chairman, had claimed most of the anger stemmed from Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto's support of a successful censure motion against Premier David Saul.

Last night Mr. West claimed he was "apolitical'' during the February 1989 election. "I didn't work for Stuart Hayward. I was not a member of either party.'' Mr. West also stressed the criticism of Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto reflected the views of the Pembroke West Central branch.

He added: "Dr. James has never been involved in the branch since he lost his seat at the election. I don't believe he hasn't even been to a committee meeting, so how would he know what's going on.''