Mar 27th 2012 - Senior Derby Conservative defects to UKIP

27 March 2012

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Senior Derby Conservative defects to UKIP

 

Martin du Sautoy, ex-Conservative group leader and city councillor of 20 years standing has today declared his intention to stand as UKIP's candidate for Allestree in the forthcoming council elections.

 

Martin du Sautoy said, "For some time now, I have recognised that the Conservative Party has been heading in the wrong direction. Nationally, they promised a referendum on the EU and failed to deliver, locally they promised a focus on manufacturing industry and then stood by as a substantial order for railway rolling stock was diverted away from Bombardier in Derby to a foreign competitor."

 

"Neither do I see any sign of the 'localism' that has been trumpeted as delivering accountability to local people. The recent raid on pensioners was the last straw and so I've decided that the old parties have nothing left to offer. It's time to deliver independence not just from the EU but from the vested interests that work against the best interests of local people. It's time to stop the tail wagging the dog."

 

Martin du Sautoy served as a Conservative city councillor for twenty years, during which time he was Conservative group leader, Deputy Mayor and Chair of Planning. He is one of a succession of politicians who have recently moved to UKIP, with Conservative East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer having defected earlier this month after 40 years as a Tory: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2109532/Tory-MEP-Roger-Helmer-defects-UKIP-row-Baroness-Warsi.html

 

UKIP Derby Branch Chair, Steven Fowke, said, "We are delighted that Martin has decided to stand in Allestree giving local people the opportunity to vote UKIP for someone with a long track record of putting the people of Derby first."

 

Derek Clark, UKIP MEP for Derbyshire, welcomed the move. He said: "This is terrific news and follows many Tory defections to UKIP across the East Midlands in recent months. It's great news we have Martin on board - he can now work with UKIP to offer a real alternative for the people of Derby."