MPs who support Farage face expulsion
CONSERVATIVE MPs and councillors who publicly back Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party face expulsion, Tory officials have warned.
In a leaked email to activists, the Conservative Party board warns that endorsement of another political party is ‘ incompatible’ with membership.
A poll last week found that 40 per cent of Tory councillors are planning to vote for Mr Farage’s new party at next month’s European Parliament elections.
Hardline Brexiteer MP AnneMarie Morris refused to rule out voting for the Brexit Party this month, saying she would ‘need to see who the candidates were’. Fellow Eurosceptic Lucy Allan publicly endorsed the Brexit Party’s ‘fantastic’ candidates.’
In a bid to regain control, the Conservative Party board issued a formal warning to activists, stating: ‘All party members, including elected representatives at all levels, are expected to fully support the party in all elections.
‘Campaigning for, or endorsement of, any other political party is incompatible with membership of the party. The board will not hesitate to enforce these rules.’
Politicians in Oldham have accused Mr Farage of spreading ‘fear and hate’ after he claimed the town was ‘divided’ with black and white communities failing to integrate.
Labour MP Debbie Abrahams said: ‘It is disappointing that he is continuing to try and divide communities from his removed, arrogant and privileged position.’ Sean Fielding, leader of Labour-run Oldham Council, said Mr Farage’s comments reflected desperation.