As someone who feels strongly about reducing immigration and rolling back the powers grabbed by the EU over the years, I was naturally leaning towards UKIP at this election.
However the choice by UKIP locally to select David Parsons, the former leader of Leicestershire County Council, who had to quit over an expenses scandal which led to an 18-month police investigation, really got my back up and makes a mockery of UKIP’s claim to represent a “new kind of politics”.
What disappointed me more was Mr Parsons’ response at the debate at the South Holland Centre when he was confronted with the reports into his past. He appeared to show no remorse and claimed he’d been cleared – a claim torn apart by the man in the audience who had a copy of the damning report with him!
By contrast the decency and boldness shown by John Hayes on the night was noticeable – saying that he would quit the Government if the Conservatives don’t offer an EU referendum, as they have promised, took real guts.
To hear him speak with such pride about his working class background was powerful, and give him credit – Mr Hayes is the only candidate here who I’ve seen out and about, who’s knocked on my door, and who is listening to what local people have to say to him.
John’s right – the only way we will all get a say on leaving Europe is with a Conservative Government.
A vote for UKIP will, ironically, stop that happening.
Michael Richards
Park Road
Spalding
