Who? That one word just about sums up the person in question, whos one claim to fame is that he lost the last Ukip leadership election to Nigel Farage. It also seems he was involved in the preparation of the present set of policies for that party.
The Boiling Frog believes that the less said about this defection to the Conservative Party the better, however never having been backward in coming forward, I tend to take the opposite view.
Leaving to one side the question of how anyone can believe in self-governance for one's country one day and the next be of the opinion that one's future lies with a party that believes in continued membership of the European Union is a conundrum that only David Campbell-Bannerman can answer.
In a statement on Conservative Home Campbell-Bannerman states:
"I have been increasingly impressed by the leadership shown by David Cameron in dealing with this country's problems. In particular, the Government's determination to clean up the economic mess left by Labour. Similarly in Europe, 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."
That, from a man who only 11 months ago castigated the party to which he has defected with this article in the Guardian.
From being a fairly big fish in a small pond, Campbell-Bannerman has now become a small fish in a large pond - a view, it seems, confirmed by our apology of a Foreign Secretary,William Hague:
"I am sure David Campbell Bannerman will be a valuable member of our team in the European Parliament."
One also wonders whether part of the deal is for Campbell-Bannerman to be pushed up to head the list of candidates standing in the European elections in 2014.
It would also appear that not every Ukip supporter is wishing Campbell-Bannerman God-speed with their best wishes, an example of which sentiment is this tweet:
"UKIPPER to DCB we flogged guts out, THAT is why you were elected, not yr (somewhat deficient) charisma nor yr (equally limited) intellect"
On the basis of that tweet, especially where charisma and intellect of the leading Conservatives are concerned, perhaps the two partners in what could be held to be a marriage of convenience really do deserve each other.
Update: In response to Richard North's post, in which he links to mine, I would wish to make plain that any sense of loyalty I have is to the party and not to Nigel Farage. Regular readers will know that I have criticised Nigel Farage in respect of his leadership skills on previous occasions, the last time here.
Update: In response to Richard North's post, in which he links to mine, I would wish to make plain that any sense of loyalty I have is to the party and not to Nigel Farage. Regular readers will know that I have criticised Nigel Farage in respect of his leadership skills on previous occasions, the last time here.
UKIPPER to DCB "we flogged guts out,THAT is why you were elected, not yr (somewhat deficient) charisma nor yr (equally limited) intellect"
6 comments:
That, from a man who only 11 months ago castigated the party to which he has defected with this article in the Guardian.
Says it all really, doesn't it?
Cheers for the link WfW as always, agree with your sentiments completely. Regarding 'less the said the better' more a view on my behalf that I didn't want to give the t***er anymore publicity / effort than necessary, rather than a reluctance to call it as it is.
His statement said it all - Cameron standing up to Europe? - good riddance to him.
Very much agree with you, please check out my article: http://www.indhome.com/2011/05/fantastic-news-david-campbell-bannerman-gone/
Please clarify. We elect MEPs on a List System.
The Treaty of Lisbon gives Britain a 73rd Seat which the Government decides will be Conservative - based presumably on their share of the vote (?)
Campbell-Bannermann - a name redolent of 1906 - is elected on a UKIP List. He decides to do an Edward Macmillan-Scott and change party - how does he keep his seat if he was simply a List Candidate ?
JJH: Agreed
TBF: You know me - pile in and face the consequences later!
J: Thanks your endorsement and yup, read your article on IH - damn good!
TT: Ah,therein lies a good question. Should not DCB fill the additional place and a replacement from Ukip be found for his seat? Unfortunately,the answer to which I know not what the procedure is.
On you point about the 73rd seat -gerrymandering? I would have thought that another election should be held to fill that seat, although in which region should it be held?
David is a Bannerman, but Campbell is his second name, so no hyphens, please.
Of course, he'd like everyone to believe he is the next prime minister Campbell-Bannerman.
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