ryansoton

I know we will never know what is happening behind the scenes but the time has come surely for Roger Helmer to join UKIP.
I have alot of respect for Helmer and I used to Daniel Hannan too but Hannan has showed us the true tory eu-sceptic, Alot of talk but when it comes to action he tows the party line.
Helmer is different he has stuck to his guns and because of this he sits on his own in the european parlaiment.
With Rogers views he experience he would be a great asset to UKIP and a great coup for our party.
I wonder if one of our leadership candidates may try to pull something out of the bag to boost his campaign?

Independent UKIP

Whilst everything is always subject to change in politics, Helmer has said that he will never stand against the Conservative party and has also said that he will not be contesting the next European elections.

If he defected to UKIP now he could maybe get away with all that but any defection close to the election would be ridiculed by the tories and I don't think do UKIP too many favours.

harryaldridge

I wrote to Roger to ask him why he refueses to sit in the ind/dem group, and/or join UKIP. His response was pitiful - "I don;t want to get into an arguement here, but i believe i am doing the best i can for the cause".

Although he cannot be re-elected under the conservative banner at the next euros, so maybe Nigel can persuade him to cross the floor!

mkpdavies

Bottom line.

To be associated with UKIP at the moment, is seen as political suicide.

Unless you are happy to do it part time.

Unless you believe in UKIP coming good one day.

Unless you think you can't acheive more within the establishment, than outside it.

Or if you are not just in it for the career.

Then becoming UKIP is not an option. Changing that is the immense task infront of a new leader.

Helmer is about the best case for coming to UKIP that you will get, yet he still choses the limbo state of the Conservatives. I guess this may be because he really believes the Tories will come good, or that his work from within will pay dividends.

He has to ask himself now though, if he is no longer an MEP (which he won't be come the next election), then what significance will he have with the party? The leadership will shun him for not toeing the line and he will no longer have any position of meaning.

Joining UKIP now however, will at least give him a chance of staying an MEP to fight the EU from within.

If people like Helmer, who are on the edge of oblvion won't jump, then UKIP is clearly a light year away from where it needs to be.

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gawain

Just to let you know, Roger has on many occasions in conversation with me made the following two comments.
1 - He has no intention of standing at the 2009 election.
2 - He has no intention of leaving the Conservative Party.

So whilst it is always worthwhile trying to persuade him and others to jump ship, and I can assure you I and many others have tried and will continue to do so, I fear that given he is a man of his word, the effort will be wasted in his case.