Posh boys

As the heat, light and punditry over the local government elections dies down, a familiar figure reappears in the political media's peripheral vision.  Rumours, but only rumours that Mid Beds MP Nadine Dorries might defect to UKIP have started to  circulate. It doesn't matter whether she does or not, they have the effect of getting her fresh attention, which is the purpose. The whip remains unrestored and next year Mid Beds Conservative Association might start thinking about selecting a candidate for 2015. 

Any MP who defects to UKIP at the moment will be lionised (or lionessed) by Farage and get massive national coverage - especially if they are the first. So, tempting if your career is in the doldrums. 

One word of warning to Ms Dorries. Farage is a posh boy (stockbroker's son, educated Dulwich College, boarding fees about £11,000 pa) and she has form on posh boys.

Cash for access

http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/News/Tories-under-fire-over-fundraising-dinner-04112011.htm






One commentator on the Beds on Sunday article states;


The Keech Hospice may want to review the Charity Commission's rules on joint fundraising with political parties: "Entering into a joint fundraising venture with a political party will almost certainly result in the charity giving support to that party, politician or political candidate. This would breach charity law."




I have to admit I hadn't thought of this issue up to now.