The UK Independence Party (which mentions its non-racism right up front, like so many uncomfortable situations) is in Torquay for its annual conference and is on the look out for the next new face for its specail brand of cantankerous politics.
Maybe it’s an opportunity for some of those disaffected Tories who feel weakened by the dilution of their message to jump ship and make a name for themselves. The leader who is stepping down, Lord Pearson of Rannoch, is a former Conservative, after all.
And the reason he’s stepping down? Why he’s ‘not much good at party politics’ and doesn’t enjoy the cut and thrust of party politics. Makes you wonder how he got the job in the first place.
For the interim the party has appointed Jeffrey Titford as caretaker manager.
Former leader and MEP Nigel Farage is taking more time for himself and his family after his light aircraft crash on the day of the 2010 general election (May 5), but may be tempted back into the fray.
Front runner is MEP David Campbell Bannerman (another former Tory).
The South West is a political haven for UKIP, with two MEPs representing the region and the headquarters of the party is based in Newton Abbot.
But for you political careerist out there here’s a scenario you could consider: hold your nose and join a minor party so you can get ahead quickly. Then hope the balance of power shifts your way so you can grasp office and pull your party’s ideology with you. It’s pretty cynical, but just might work…
(image: from a UKIP 2010 general election mail out by 
Some rights reserved by srboisvert)
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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