David Campbell Bannerman, MEP and former deputy leader of UKIP, has defected to the Conservative Party.
In a statement that has just gone out, Campbell Bannerman said:
“I have been pleased with the robust stance taken by David Cameron and Conservative MEPs over the EU budget negotiations and I believe that it is Conservative MEPs who are working hard to defend Britain's interests.”
The former Conservative councillor joined UKIP in 2002. He was tipped for the party's leadership when Lord Pearson stood down in 2010, but obviously now feels his fortunes lie elsewhere... Here's the full statement from the Tories:
Foreign Secretary William Hague has responded, saying:
“‘I am very pleased that we can welcome David Campbell Bannerman back to the Conservative Party. The Conservative Party is bringing in people who want to work in the national interest to sort out Britain’s problems. I am sure David Campbell Bannerman will be a valuable member of our team in the European Parliament.’
And Martin Callanan MEP, Leader of the Conservative MEPs, added:
“I am delighted to welcome David Campbell Bannerman back into the Conservative Party and to our delegation in the European Parliament. This is another great sign of the growing influence of the European Conservative and Reformist Group (ECR) - now the fourth largest group in the European Parliament. We all look forward to working with David in championing the British national interest in Europe.”
UPDATE: It's interesting that DCB now considers Cameron's stance on the EU budget to be "robust". Last year, he was sharply critical of Cameron's attitude to Europe, saying: "Cameron has spent the last five years ditching Conservative policies on Europe." and "It's overwhelmingly clear now that trusting Cameron with Europe will be as misguided as trusting Blair on Iraq."
Comments
Andrew Smith / May 25 2011 12:43pm
There has been widespread speculation that he was only committed to UKIP for his own ends rather than the policies we hold. Perhaps that explains his notable failure to support the party financially, his priority on getting the first list candidate in to the exclusion of maximising our result in 2009, and his near invisibility since failing in the leadership election.
His manner is not friendly towards members and his public speaking is tortured - maybe the Tories will send him on a speaking course?
The current chatter in UKIP is what will happen to the 4 bedroom house in Cambridge which he uses as a base. Will the Tories press him to dispose of it - rumour was he wanted to rent a castle, but ended up with this place on a 5 year lease.
Maybe more to emerge on this soon . . . . .
Frances Howard / May 26 2011 2:26pm
The European parliament is a corrupt organisation. David Campbell Bannerman is now Lord of the Rings. . What an easy target for the power merchants of Europe. Nigel Farage is the real oppositon to the EU. He must have found it character forming working with thicko DCB.
Tories urge you to vote Campbell Bannerman (because I'm worth it.)
Michael JR Jose / May 27 2011 12:30am
Let us not be too critical of DCB. I feel rather sorry for him. He tries hard, but he has played and lost. I fear he is not really going to fare well now he has defected in both directions, it seems too unstable a course of action to succeed. It's all good clean politics.
Martin T / May 28 2011 4:04pm
So Campbell-Bannerman has returned to the Tories, a party he once embraced but left in a hissy fit, it couldn't be something to do with internal politicing of the Ukippers could it, he left once before so there is a possibility that he leave again, he will be on the watch list from now on if the Tories have any sense,you could say that it is 1/2 his surname.
Martin T / May 28 2011 4:06pm
So Campbell-Bannerman has returned to the Tories, a party he once embraced but left in a hissy fit, it couldn't be something to do with internal politicing of the Ukippers could it, he left once before so there is a possibility that he leave again, he will be on the watch list from now on if the Tories have any sense,you could say that it is 1/2 his surname.