My point about Bannerman is that before he became Party Chairman he was virtually, arguably completely, unknown within the wider party.
Had he made a single speech at a conference or rally, was he a member of the NEC, was he a branch or County chairman, did he serve on a regional committee, was he known as someone with ideas above the mundane eurorealism prevalent that dominates within UKIP? Answer yes to any of these and I will give him credit
To be Party Chairman it seems to me that membership of the NEC should be a minimum pre-requisite.
Of course much of the problem here is caused by Roger Knapman's time honoured capacity for bad judgement in his appointments. Even so Bannerman would have shown integrity had he stood for election to the NEC at the earliest opportunity.
|