Nick Clegg Warned Deal with Tories Could Lead to Revolt
THE TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg has been warned he could face a backlash from his party if he strikes a deal with the Conservatives.

Senior Liberal Democrats said that many grassroots party members lean to the Left and are hostile to the Tories.

Some MPs suggested that only a categorical assurance that the next general election is fought under new electoral rules would be enough to win support for a deal.

Under party rules, Mr Clegg is obliged to get the approval of his MPs and senior party activists before striking any deal. The Lib Dems are pressing for movement towards ending the first-past-the-post electoral system, a demand that many Tories reject. >>> James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Monday, May 10, 2010

General Election 2010: Nick Clegg Defends Immigration Policy
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg said he was ''incredibly angry'' with David Cameron and Gordon Brown over attacks on his party's immigration policy.

The Liberal Democrats' plans to allow illegal immigrants who have been in the UK for 10 years to earn citizenship has been labelled an ''amnesty'' by their political rivals on their election campaigns.

But Mr Clegg today said he was the only party leader with the ''courage'' to confront a chaotic system which had been allowed to exist under successive Labour and Conservative administrations.

Mr Clegg said: ''It makes me incredibly angry that David Cameron and Gordon Brown create a problem ... and are perfectly happy to turn a deaf ear to criminal gangs running amok in our community.

''I'm the only leader who actually wants to do something about it.''

The issue of immigration has been raised throughout the campaign and was the subject of a question in each of the three leaders' debates.

In the final televised showdown Mr Cameron claimed 600,000 illegal immigrants could be given the right to remain and bring a family member to the UK under the Lib Dem proposals.

Speaking to reporters at a campaign event in Burnley, Mr Clegg hit out at the way opponents ''wholly misrepresent'' his plan.

He said: ''Given that neither David Cameron nor Gordon Brown want to actually clear up the mess they created, they don't want to be honest with you.

''I think it's right that the Liberal Democrats are saying we have got to do something about this.

''Do you know what I want? I want to go after the criminal gangs. >>> | Sunday, May 02, 2010

The Immigration Experiment Shows Labour at Its Worst
THE TELEGRAPH: A significant social change was foisted on Britain without our consent, says Alasdair Palmer

Gordon Brown has apologised profusely for calling Gillian Duffy "bigoted" after she asked him what he was going to do about immigration. But for all his very public penitence, Mr Brown's initial reaction reveals what he really thinks of those who are sceptical about immigration's benefits.

The number of people coming to stay in Britain is now nearly four times greater than in 1997: every year, at least 130,000 more people have arrived than left (in 2007, the figure was 248,000). If present trends continue, Britain's population will reach 70 million within the next 20 years.

The influx of migrants, many of whom are not familiar with British norms and traditions – and who have traditions of their own that they are, understandably, not ready to abandon – has already had very significant effects on many communities. Some people like those changes, especially those who employ cleaners, nannies and builders, and who can afford to eat at exotic restaurants. Others don't. Their reaction doesn't have to be based on bigotry, although of course it can be. But you don't have to be a bigot to deplore more overcrowding in schools, or more pressure on housing, health services and transport.

The huge increase in immigration has taken place almost without discussion. It was not mentioned in Labour's manifesto in 1997, nor in 2001. In 2005, it rated scarcely more than a few lines. When Michael Howard, the then Conservative leader, tried to make the subject an election issue, he was accused of racism by Labour – and, of course, "bigotry". The charge was effective in closing down the debate. >>> Alasdair Palmer | Saturday, May 01, 2010

Brown’s ‘Bigot’ Blunder Plunges Labour Campaign into Crisis
TIMES ONLINE: Gordon Brown prostrated himself as a “penitent sinner” yesterday after a brush with a voter triggered a calamitous chain of events that threatened to derail Labour on the eve of tonight’s pivotal TV debate.

The Prime Minister spent an unscheduled 45 minutes inside the terraced house of Gillian Duffy apologising to the Labour-supporting widow for insulting her behind her back.

His muttered description of her as a “bigoted woman”, picked up by a microphone as he drove off from their combative but apparently friendly encounter, plunged Labour’s high command into its most serious crisis of the campaign. >>> Roland Watson, Political Editor | Thursday, April 29, 2010

Related links:

’Bigotgate’ = Duffer Brown + Mrs Duffy >>>

Nick Clegg Names Price for Labour: No Gordon Brown
TIMES ONLINE: The Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg made clear today that he would be prepared to support a Labour Party that had slumped to third in the share of the vote — but not if Gordon Brown remained in No 10.

With opinion polls pointing to a hung Parliament, Mr Clegg said it would be “inexplicable” for Mr Brown to remain as Prime Minister if his party finished with fewer votes than the Tories or Lib Dems, even if Labour had the most seats.

But he said he would be prepared to work with anyone else within Labour or any other party that was prepared to deliver his aims — including electoral reform, which is an “absolute pre-condition” for renewing British politics. Read on and comment (With video) >>> Philippe Naughton | Monday, April 26, 2010

Labour in Turmoil as Pressure on Brown Grows
Gordon Brown. Times Online
TIMES ONLINE: Labour’s struggle to overcome the Liberal Democrat surge broke out into the open yesterday when Alan Johnson positioned himself to lead the party’s post-election talks with Nick Clegg.

Hours after the Liberal Democrat leader had ruled out keeping a defeated Gordon Brown in No 10, the Home Secretary risked deepening internal tensions by using a television interview to say that he did not share the “horror” of some colleagues at the prospect of power-sharing.

With ten days to go until the election, a YouGov poll in The Sun today confirms that Labour is in third place. The first postal votes have been cast already and start arriving at town halls today.

Mr Brown appeared on edge at the launch of his green manifesto in London yesterday, arriving late for his speech. Instead of discussing the environment, he used the opportunity to attack a range of Tory policies. >>> Francis Elliott, Deputy Political Editor | Monday, April 26, 2010

General Election 2010: David Cameron's Smash and Grab Raid on Labour
THE TELEGRAPH: David Cameron has been given renewed hope of securing an overall majority in the Commons after party strategists identified 20 Labour seats that have unexpectedly become winnable following the rise of the Liberal Democrats.

The success of Nick Clegg in the first two televised debates was thought to have reduced Tory prospects of forming a government after May 6.

However, Conservative strategists now believe that the increase in support for the Lib Dems has been far more damaging for Labour, which is in danger of coming third in the popular vote.

In response, Mr Cameron has ordered an aggressive “decapitation” campaign to try to snatch up to 20 seats that the Tories had previously thought unwinnable, including two held by Cabinet ministers. If successful, the party leadership believes the strategy could help the Conservatives achieve an overall majority of MPs. >>> Robert Winnett, Rosa Prince and James Kirkup | Sunday, April 25, 2010

Labour Party Self-destructs
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Labour's general election campaign is in crisis amid damaging rows between senior cabinet ministers and a new poll showing support for the party dropping to a six-month low.

In one particularly bad-tempered incident, Lord Mandelson ordered Harriet Harman, the party's deputy leader, to "shut up" and told her he did not want to hear from her again, in a dispute over election strategy.

The campaign team has also been riven by in-fighting over what should happen if Labour is only able to cling to power in a hung parliament – with one faction accused of encouraging a Liberal Democrat demand that the price for joining a coalition would be Gordon Brown's dismissal as leader. General Election 2010: Labour civil war as support slumps in new poll >>> Patrick Hennessy and Melissa Kite | Saturday, April 24, 2010

Voters’ Anger Over Immigration
THE SUN: A SHOCK new survey for The Sun has revealed how Britons feel badly let down by Labour's shambolic handling of immigration. More than two-thirds of the 1,500 adults quizzed by YouGov feel the surge in immigrants - 163,000 in 2008 alone - has had a negative impact on the UK. >>> Anila Baig | Monday, March 29, 2010

Screwy Is as Screwy Does! Now Vegans Are Covered by Harman’s Equality Law
MAIL ONLINE: Vegans, teetotallers and atheists are to be given the same protection against discrimination as religious groups, under Harriet Harman's controversial new equality laws.

People who do not eat products and refuse to wear leather have been singled out for inclusion under the new legislation by Labour's super-quango - the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Official guidance issued by the body points out that the 'ethical commitment' of vegan's to animal welfare is 'central to who they are'.

The code of practice explains the legal implications of the equality bill states that religions need not be mainstream or well known for their adherents to gain protection.

The Equality Bill, masterminded by Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman*, is due to come into force this Autumn.

It makes it a legal requirement for public authorities, including schools, to consider the impact of all their policies on minority groups.

But the guidance explains: “A belief need not include faith or worship of a god or gods, but must affect how a person lives their life or perceives the world.” >>> Kirsty Walker | Monday, March 08, 2010

*Harman appears to be a card-carrying member of the SEG. (SEG = Social Engineering Gestapo)

New Dark Age Alert! Islamic Radicals 'Infiltrate' the Labour Party
This is all happening because NO POLITICIAN has the BALLS to deal with the issues at hand; and worse things will get! It is a disgrace that we have allowed this group of TRIBAL SAVAGES to infiltrate our once civilized government! – © Mark
THE TELEGRAPH: A Labour minister says his party has been infiltrated by a fundamentalist Muslim group that wants to create an “Islamic social and political order” in Britain.

Jim Fitzpatrick, the Environment Minister. Photo: The Telegraph
The Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) — which believes in jihad and sharia law, and wants to turn Britain and Europe into an Islamic state — has placed sympathisers in elected office and claims, correctly, to be able to achieve “mass mobilisation” of voters.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, Jim Fitzpatrick, the Environment Minister, said the IFE had become, in effect, a secret party within Labour and other political parties.

“They are acting almost as an entryist organisation, placing people within the political parties, recruiting members to those political parties, trying to get individuals selected and elected so they can exercise political influence and power, whether it’s at local government level or national level,” he said.

“They are completely at odds with Labour’s programme, with our support for secularism.”

Mr Fitzpatrick, the MP for Poplar and Canning Town, said the IFE had infiltrated and “corrupted” his party in east London in the same way that the far-Left Militant Tendency did in the 1980s. Leaked Labour lists show a 110 per cent rise in party membership in one constituency in two years.

In a six-month investigation by this newspaper and Channel 4’s Dispatches, involving weeks of covert filming by the programme’s reporters:

IFE activists boasted to the undercover reporters that they had already “consolidated … a lot of influence and power” over Tower Hamlets, a London borough council with a £1 billion budget. >>> Andrew Gilligan | Saturday, February 27, 2010

A Stupid Bitch by Any Other Name – Harriet Harman! Harriet Harman Puts Class at Heart of Election Battle
If this is so, then what the hell has the Labour Party been doing all these years? It's the Labour Party which has reduced this once great nation to scrubberdom! – © Mark

THE GUARDIAN: Labour deputy leader to make inequality a key dividing line with Conservatives

Harriet Harman's speech is designed to put fight against inequality at heart of election campaign. Photograph: The Guardian
Harriet Harman will reopen the politically explosive debate over class tomorrowby insisting that it remains the single biggest factor in determining individual achievement.

In a speech designed to put the fight against inequality at the heart of the general election campaign, the Labour deputy leader will unveil a new "inequality bible" which admits that the government has merely slowed the trend in rising inequality despite more than 12 years in office.

The 420-page report, commissioned by the government, has been written by a panel chaired by Professor John Hills.
In her speech, Harman will say the report, to be published next week, makes uncomfortable reading for Labour, and sets out home truths about the scale of the challenge.

But she will also seek to create dividing lines with the Tories by arguing that the evidence shows socio-economic background, not parental warmth, is the main determinant of an individual's success.

The report's findings are politically sensitive since they may revive accusations – furiously denied by Gordon Brown – that Labour is embarking on a "class war". >>> Patrick Wintour and Amelia Gentleman | Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Mandelson Shows Labour Is a Party Rotten with Decadence
MAIL ONLINE: The sumptuous home of financier Jacob Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor, has long been famed as one of Britain's most magnificent country houses.

But for all its splendour and beauty, the estate has this week been associated with an extraordinary weekend shooting party which symbolises the decadence, corruption and moral collapse of modern British socialism.

No novelist would have dared to invent such an occasion. The host was a leading member of the world's richest and most famous banking dynasty. The guests included the son of a bloodthirsty and oil-rich Arab dictator, and the discredited wife of a former British prime minister.

And totally at home in all this gilded opulence was the remarkable figure of Lord Mandelson, former Young Communist, far Left activist, major player in three successive Labour election victories and right-hand man to Gordon Brown.

One might have expected such a figure to have been repelled by so much opulence and wealth. Instead, Mandelson clearly revels in it. The drab lives of the hard-working men and women who placed their faith in Labour at three consecutive general elections hold no appeal to him.

Mandelson now only seems truly at home in grand country houses or on the yachts of billionaires such as his Russian oligarch friend Oleg Deripaska, whose guest he was during the summer of 2008.

The truth is that his attendance at a shooting party with Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi's son is a perfect parable of the decadent Left's embrace of everything it claims to despise.

Nor is Mandelson an exception. Practically every member of Tony Blair's Cabinet which took office in 1997 has since sold out to wealth and power.

Blair himself is a perfect example. Since leaving office, he has become a popular member of the international plutocracy; a consultant to an investment bank who has earned an estimated £15 million since leaving Downing Street.

While at No 10, Blair was shamefully attracted to extremely rich men. On one occasion, government policy was even changed after the tycoon Bernie Ecclestone donated £1 million to the Labour Party.

Peerages were for sale under his government, while his wife Cherie blatantly profiteered from her status of First Lady by accepting free gifts and discounts from retailers. >>> Peter Oborne | Friday, November 27, 2009

European Elections 2009: How Labour Let the BNP Flex Its Muscles
THE TELEGRAPH: The collapse of the traditional vote in working-class strongholds was the key as an openly racist party won seats for the first time in a nationwide election, says Philip Johnston.

The smirk on Nick Griffin's face as he walked on to the platform at Manchester town hall in the early hours of yesterday morning said it all. The BNP had arrived. For the first time in a nationwide election, the voters of the United Kingdom had returned candidates from an avowedly racist political party.

Our cosy complacency that imagined that only Continental Europeans elect fascists to parliament was shattered. A collective wail of middle-class angst went up from mainstream party leaders: what have we done? Liam Fox the Tory shadow cabinet member, said: "All politicians should be asking themselves 'how did we allow this to happen?' "

The hostility engendered by Griffin's victory was palpable: as he took his place on the stage, giving a Churchillian "V for Victory" salute, his opponents all walked off. But we cannot keep walking away from the BNP. They need to be tackled head on. It is because the mainstream parties, Labour in particular, have failed so comprehensively to address any of the issues exploited by Griffin and his followers that they have been able to win two seats in the European parliament (under a PR system whose proponents might now think twice about pursuing it for Westminster).

Harriet Harman, Labour's blue-stocking deputy leader, said: "It's a terrible thing that we've now got representing Britain in the European parliament a party that is a racist party, a party that doesn't believe black people should even be allowed to join this party. What extremist, far right, racist parties like the British National Party do is exploit people's fears and if people are worried about their future they turn inwards."

But whose fault is that? This has not happened in a political vacuum. It was the collapse of Labour's vote in areas it considered its fiefdom that let in the BNP. After 12 years in power, Miss Harman cannot try to pass the buck. Most galling of all is that the British taxpayer will now fund the BNP through the generous salaries and allowances for which it now qualifies in the European parliament. >>> By Philip Johnston | Monday, June 08, 2009

This article is totally unbalanced, since it fails to mention some of the most important reasons why people felt moved to vote BNP: The mainstream parties gave them no alternative. The election of two BNP MEPs has clearly rattled the British establishment.

The fact is that all three mainstream parties will not face, still less confront, the real issues facing us all. Islam is growing apace in Europe. The demographic jihad (as well as many other jihads!) is being waged against us. The nature of European society is changing before our very eyes, and nobody is prepared to discuss the problem from the mainstream parties, still less do anything about it. The BNP is prepared to attack the problem head on. That is one big reason why many so-called "working class" people voted BNP, I believe. The liberal, leftist élite, of whom David Cameron is one, judging by his policies, knows nothing about the dangers of Islam, and they are too cowardly to confront the problem head on. The BNP is not.

All main parties are for the accession of Turkey into the EU. Most people I know - middle class people or working class - are against this accession. Yet nobody in the mainstream parties will speak for them. The BNP will. It is firmly against Turkey’s accession; and rightly so.

I predict that if things go on as they are, the BNP will grow and grow, because they will fill the political void that the other parties have created.

It is such a pity that the Conservative Party has lost its courage. Historically, one could always depend on the Conservative Party to get us out of a hole. No longer, it seems. Hence, many must have felt disenfranchised. The result: Many decided not to vote at all; others voted for extreme parties.

This problem needs to be tackled head on; otherwise extremism will continue to rear its head. – ©Mark

Poll Reveals Labour Heading for Election Humiliation
Under Gordon Brown's leadership, Labour's poll rating has slid to its lowest mark in history. Photo courtesy of TimesOnline
TIMES ONLINE: The expenses scandal has had a devastating impact on Labour and Gordon Brown, a Populus poll for The Times finds today.

Labour’s overall position has slid to 21 per cent, its lowest in polling history. When asked how they would vote in next week’s European election, those polled have put Labour in third place behind UKIP and the Tories, for the first time.

All the minority parties, including the Greens and the British National Party, have made striking advances in the past three weeks as the row over MPs’ allowances has engulfed all the main parties.

Surprisingly the Liberal Democrats have been hit almost as badly as Labour in both the general election and European voting standings. >>> Philip Webster, Political Editor | Saturday, May 30, 2009

'The BNP Are Now a Bigger Threat Than Ever'
THE INDEPENDENT: Labour fears the far right will win its first European seats in June, Harriet Harman tells Andrew Grice

Labour is facing its biggest threat from the BNP, Harriet Harman admits today, as the party gears up to prevent the far right group from winning its first seats in nationwide elections this June for the European Parliament.

In an interview with The Independent Ms Harman, the Leader of the Commons, who is heading Labour's election effort in in her role as the party's chairman and deputy leader, said Labour was launching its biggest-ever campaign targeting the BNP. "It is a worry," she said. "Certainly they [the BNP] are a bigger threat than they have been before."

Labour fears the BNP could land two or three seats in the European elections, which are fought under a proportional representation (PR) system based on huge regional constituencies. Labour believes the BNP threat is greatest in the North West, where its leader, Nick Griffin, is a candidate; Yorkshire and the Humber and the East and West Midlands. >>> Andrew Grice | Friday, April 10, 2009

Labour Does 'Do God', Says Stephen Timms
THE TELEGRAPH: Labour does "do God" after all, according to a Treasury minister who claims some of the Government's key achievements have been inspired by faith.

Stephen Timms said that religious ideals are important in shaping policy despite the impression, summed up in Alastair Campbell's famous phrase, that private beliefs are irrelevant to the party.

He cited the New Deal for the long-term unemployed and the Gleneagles agreement on international debt relief as two examples of Labour projects that had their origins in reports and campaigns from church groups.

Mr Timms, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury who is also Labour's vice-chair for faith groups, also claimed that religious groups continue to provide the basis of a "broad coalition of hope" for the Government as well as practical help in carrying out charitable work.

He said it is wrong to believe that religious belief is dying out, and credited Britain's growing Muslim population with raising the public profile of all faiths because secular commentators are afraid to criticise them. >>> By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent | Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback & Hardback) – Free delivery >>>

Key Says NZ Election a ‘Vote for Change’
NZ HERALD: John Key has said the country has "voted for change" after his National Party won the election tonight.

He described the Labour term in government as "nine long years" and said: "New Zealand has so much more potential."

Key spoke at National Party headquarters after Helen Clark said she will stand down as Labour Party leader.

National won 45.5 per cent of the vote to Labour's 33.8 per cent, giving 
National 59 seats.

It will form a coalition of 65 MPs with Act's 5 seats and Peter Dunne from United Future.

Key said New Zealand had spoken. >>> November 9, 2008

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD: New Zealand Changes Govt, Key New PM

New Zealand's incoming prime minister John Key says his party's decisive win over the ruling Labour Party shows his nation has voted for change.

Key's centre-right National Party defeated the Labour Party, winning more than 45 per cent of the primary vote, enough to govern with the support of minor parties.

"In their hundreds of thousands across the country they have voted for change," Key told supporters at a function in Auckland.
Key, 47, promised a government he led would herald a more ambitious future for the country, which is in a recession and has rising unemployment.

"We need everybody pulling in the same direction. If we do that. If we work hard and if we remain determined we will make New Zealand as prosperous as we all know it can be," Key said.

"It will be a government that values individual achievement. It will be a government that supports those that cannot support themselves. And it will be a government we can all be part of," he said.

Key's defeat of the Labour government led by Prime Minister Helen Clark ends her nine-year reign as New Zealand's leader. >>> © 2008 AAP | November 8, 2008

DIE PRESSE: Neuseeland: Millionär mit Wiener Wurzeln als neuer Premier

Konservative Nationalpartei löst Sozialdemokraten ab. Der künftige Premier John Key hat österreichische Wurzeln: Seine Mutter Ruth stammt aus Wien

Wellington: Neuseelands Labour-Regierung ist eine der ersten, die im Strudel der weltweiten Finanzkrise an der Wahlurne gestrauchelt ist. Nach neun Jahren sozialdemokratischer Herrschaft entschieden sich die Wähler am Samstag für die rechts-liberale Nationalpartei und ihren politisch unerfahrenen früheren Investmentbanker John Key an der Spitze.

Der künftige Premier Neuseelands hat übrigens österreichische Wurzeln: Seine Mutter Ruth stammt aus Wien, musste aber als Jüdin 1939 nach London fliehen. Später emigrierte sie mit ihrem Mann George nach Neuseeland, wo ihr Sohn zur Welt kam.

Key hatte sich im Wahlkampf ganz auf die Wirtschaftskrise konzentriert: Explodierende Energiekosten und ein Einbruch am Immobilienmarkt hatten Neuseeland nach zehn Wachstumsjahren erstmals in eine Rezession gestürzt. Die Regierung musste das erste Haushaltsdefizit seit 1994 einräumen. Der künftige Premierminister Key versprach ein konservatives Programm: Steuersenkungen, Senkung der Lohnnebenkosten, weniger Regierungsbürokratie, härtere Strafen für Kriminelle. >>> ag. | 9. November 2008

LE MONDE: Les Néo-Zélandais ont élu un ex-banquier d'affaires conservateur pour faire face à la crise

Photo de John Key, ex-banquier, grâce au Monde
L'opposition conservatrice néo-zélandaise, représentée par le Parti national, a remporté, samedi 8 novembre, les élections législatives mettant fin à neuf ans de pouvoir travailliste dans ce pays.

Helen Clark, premier ministre sortant, qui a échoué à décrocher un quatrième mandat, a admis sa défaite depuis Auckland. "Je félicite John Key et le Parti national", a-t-elle déclaré. "Nous n'avons pas bénéficié ce soir de la faveur des électeurs, mais je respecte ce choix et en accepte la responsabilité", a-t-elle ajouté, annonçant qu'elle quittait la direction du parti qu'elle dirigeait depuis quinze ans.

Le Parti national a remporté 45,5 % des voix et aura 59 sièges au sein de la nouvelle Assemblée qui en compte 122. Le parti conservateur peut compter sur le soutien du parti de droite Act (5 sièges) et du parti Avenir uni (1 siège) pour dégager une majorité parlementaire. >>> | 10.11.08

The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Australia) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback – Australia) >>>

The Netherlands: Blasphemy Law to Be Scrapped
RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE: A majority in the Dutch parliament, led by the ruling Labour Party, wants to scrap a law which fines or even imprisons people who commit blasphemy. But although the law isn't used anymore, even debating whether or not to scrap it is sensitive. The Christian parties in Dutch politics have always argued to keep it on the books.

Now, tension is high in anticipation of far right Dutch MP Geert Wilders' film, which is expected to be considered blasphemous by most Muslims. 

And although there's a majority for scrapping the law, government is not asked to get rid of it immediately.

The Netherlands is known as a permissive country. Prostitution is legal, people of the same sex can get married. But if you take the lord's name in vain, you risk a fine, or imprisonment. A law forbidding blasphemy is still on the books. Now parliament wants to change that. Law against blasphemy to be scrapped >>> By John Tyler, political editor | 13-03-2008

Mark Alexander (Paperback)
Mark Alexander (Hardback)

Conservative MP defects to Labour for Lack of Confidence in the Leadership of the Conservative Party
"Under your leadership [David Cameron’s] the Conservative Party appears to me to have ceased collectively to believe in anything, or to stand for anything. "It has no bedrock. It exists on shifting sands. A sense of mission has been replaced by a PR agenda." - Quentin Davies

BBC: Tory MP Quentin Davies has defected to Labour, "delighting" new leader and prime minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown.

The MP for Grantham and Stamford made his decision public in a letter to Conservative leader David Cameron, with whom he has long been at odds.

He wrote that the party seemed "to have ceased collectively to believe in anything, or to stand for anything".

But Lincolnshire County Council's Tory leader Martin Hill called the defection an "act of treachery and betrayal".

Mr Davies has long been at odds with the Tory leadership - in 2005, shadow chancellor George Osborne said he and Mr Davies disagreed on "almost everything". Conservative MP defects to Labour (more)

Mark Alexander