A conservative Liberal

It is a good line: “From being a liberal Conservative I become a conservative Liberal.”

Euro-MP Edward Mcmillan-Scott has joined the Liberal Democrats. I like Edward (sound on Palestine) but his words are I think very accurate indeed. I think of him as a Heathite Conservative rather than as an instinctive Liberal.

Political parties can often best be judged not by the more temperate views of their leaders but by the opinions of those on the edges. I feel comfortable with the Liberal Democrat ‘grassroots’ but could not stand being amongst their opposite numbers in the Conservative ranks. That McMillan-Scott has ended up in our ranks is a reflection of how uncomfortable a place the Conservative Party now must be for pro-European Tories of liberal inclination.

I shall have to have formal words with Edward in Brussels. As whip to the European parliamentary party my first job will be to make sure that the information on his website and in the register of interests meets our requirements regarding openness and transparency in matters of finance and expenses.