Douglas who? Although it's honourable to stand for re-election - something that should be mandatory for any MP changing allegience - he's a fool. It is a totally counterproductive move. He might win the by-election but I doubt he'll win at the General Election. The right just continues to shoot itself in the foot by those wanting to be more right. Don't see that anymore from the Left, who realised that it was counterproductive.
Blimey! So I suppose they now officially have their first MP although as much as I despise UKIP at least he has had the decency to say he is stepping down and will seek re-election in a by-election.
EDIT: Sorry didn't see the other thread. Mods, can this please be merged in to the other one.
Zac Goldsmith would be one likely ship jumper. He so rich he doesn't need to be an MP for the money or climbing the ministerial greasy pole so he could be willing to put his seat on the line.
I'm not sure, apparently he's considering going for Tory mayor when Boris steps down.
There'll be more pressure on Cameron to seek an election pact with UKIP. The trouble is it would be an embarrassing u-turn after he dismissed them as fruitcakes.
Douglas who? Although it's honourable to stand for re-election - something that should be mandatory for any MP changing allegience - he's a fool. It is a totally counterproductive move. He might win the by-election but I doubt he'll win at the General Election. The right just continues to shoot itself in the foot by those wanting to be more right. Don't see that anymore from the Left, who realised that it was counterproductive.
You may never had heard of him but he has been one of the party's "free thinker" mavericks for years. He's bright, articulate and is certainly no fool.
Actually, according to your link, no it wasn't. Only the typical hard-line Tory policies like "hang 'em and flog 'em" type policies were more popular. All the important economic ones were a big dud.
You may never had heard of him but he has been one of the party's "free thinker" mavericks for years. He's bright, articulate and is certainly no fool.
I'm making the point that in the wider country I doubt anyone has ever heard of him. At least, north of Watford.
If the Conservative Party is sensible, they will throw everything into the by-election and ensure Carswell is defeated. It would be the death knell for UKIP.
And a massive springboard for UKIP if it doesn't work.
The electorate will know that UKIP can win seats when they head into the GE.
Interesting times are ahead.
You may never had heard of him but he has been one of the party's "free thinker" mavericks for years. He's bright, articulate and is certainly no fool.
Nice little PR stunt then which will ultimately be old news tomorrow. I'm certainly Euro-sceptic but this is counterproductive and helps Ed Milliband get elected. Nothing else.
I like Douglas Carswell - he's a superb intellect, a genuine, principled politician who enjoys cross party respect, and therefore is a great loss to the Conservative Party. I recommend his book, 'The Plan', co-written with Daniel Hannan. Also keep meaning to read 'The End of Politics and the Birth of iDemocracy' - sounds like it's also a good read.
Moving party is of course a gamble, but I think if any political party needs to develop a cerebral underbelly it's UKIP. If he can be allowed to help craft their manifesto for the General election, that could enhance their credibility considerably.
Only problem is, this risks splitting the right, and allowing Milliband in to No.10 by default. On the other hand, UKIP is also siphoning up disaffected Labour voters, so if that could also translate into seats, this would counter the split on the Right.
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It's a tactic they learned from the SNP.
He is no longer an MP.
And you really think those twelve thousand will automatically switch their allegiance?
I'm not sure, apparently he's considering going for Tory mayor when Boris steps down.
Because the majority of the "controversies" about them are massively taken out of context or exaggerated when you delve in to them properly.
How so?
You may never had heard of him but he has been one of the party's "free thinker" mavericks for years. He's bright, articulate and is certainly no fool.
the party briefly had representation when Dr Bob Spink, the MP for Castle Point, defected from the Conservative Party to UKIP on 21 April 2008
Actually, according to your link, no it wasn't. Only the typical hard-line Tory policies like "hang 'em and flog 'em" type policies were more popular. All the important economic ones were a big dud.
Technically he is as he hasn't resigned his seat yet.
I'm making the point that in the wider country I doubt anyone has ever heard of him. At least, north of Watford.
They do now.
This is the start of the civil war in the Tory party over Europe. Weak old Cameron giving in to a referendum hasn't worked has it?
And a massive springboard for UKIP if it doesn't work.
The electorate will know that UKIP can win seats when they head into the GE.
Interesting times are ahead.
Anyone who joins UKIP is a fool.
Surely he's a Tory until he resigns his seat?
At least we are ridding the Conservative Party of its loons. There's an opponent of gay marriage gone
That's probably true. Apart from Clacton (which according to my map is slightly north of Watford)
Saying on SkyNews more a vote for the person.
Nice little PR stunt then which will ultimately be old news tomorrow. I'm certainly Euro-sceptic but this is counterproductive and helps Ed Milliband get elected. Nothing else.
Yes, Carswell isn't even the first UKIP MP in Essex let alone the UK.
You are putting a lot faith on two men who relish involving themselves in public spats.
Nope. Any MP can resign from their party and join another one if they want. They don't have to resign their seat.
Moving party is of course a gamble, but I think if any political party needs to develop a cerebral underbelly it's UKIP. If he can be allowed to help craft their manifesto for the General election, that could enhance their credibility considerably.
Only problem is, this risks splitting the right, and allowing Milliband in to No.10 by default. On the other hand, UKIP is also siphoning up disaffected Labour voters, so if that could also translate into seats, this would counter the split on the Right.