A large group of Councillors and Party members attended an excellent lunch last Friday at the Letchworth Hall Hotel.  Guest of honour was one of our sitting MEPs, David Campbell Bannerman. He was of particular interest as he had recently left UKIP to rejoin the Conservatives in the European Parliament.  David was previously Deputy Leader of UKIP.

His speech outlined the reality of both UKIP and the Conservatives.  His line is that if you want to leave the EU, the only party offering you that option are the Conservatives.  UKIP will not win the next election, and in real terms it will be either the Conservatives or Labour.  One of whom is committed to a referendum, the other is not!

Then, he continued, if a new negotiation lead by the Prime Minister, did not deliver the real changes wanted by the British people, he would campaign for a NO vote in the referendum.

He was thanked by Oliver Heald QC MP, who was pleased to hear such an honest appraisal of the situation from a recent convert to the Conservatives.

Councillor John Smith gets due reward

At the same lunch, Oliver Heald presented a Certificate of Honour to John, signed by David Cameron. John had been involved in all levels of political life for the Conservatives both locally and regionally for over 40 years , and the certificate acknowledged his valuable contributions to the Party.

John responded that he would continue to work for the Party as long as he was able.