ConservativeHome's Seats & Candidates blog

Should the UK withhold its contributions until the EU's budget is successfully audited?

Should the UK withhold its contributions to the EU budget until the European Court of auditors gives unqualified approval to the accounts?

Richard Ashworth MEP (SE): Bringing an end to this intolerable situation has been my number one priority since I was elected in 2004, and it will continue to be my priority in the next Parliament. Conservative MEPs have always voted against the discharge (sign-off) of EU accounts and I am happy to see the Dutch government is finally following our lead.

Dan Hannan MEP (SE):  Yes

Richard Robinson (SE): Yes. If the accounts have not received a Positive Statement of Assurance by the end of this Parliament, we must get tough with the European Commission on their failure to account for expenditure.

Therese Coffey (SE):  No need for this nuclear option. Instead, the UK government should vote against the accounts at the Council of Ministers along with the Netherlands – it could find more allies if they had the courage. In addition, the UK government should stop or limit funds being issued to those programmes and countries where there are audit problems. As a finance director, I know that you don’t pour cash down an open drain and hope to get a different result or keep your job.

Marc Brunel-Walker (SE): No. Whilst the popular option would be to threaten to withhold or indeed actually withhold – If we did and other countries followed suit the implications on budgeting would be enormous.  The best way forward would be for the UK Govt to follow the Dutch example and vote against signing off the EU Accounts in Council – and continuing to campaign for better financial controls within the EU to prevent this situation happening again!

Tony Devenish (SE):  The best way forward would be for the British Government to follow the Dutch example and vote against signing off the EU accounts in Council. 

Sarah Richardson (SE): This is our money, as tax payers, and it is our right to know how it is being spent. Conservative MEPs have led the charge on this issue and opposed the approval of these un-signed off accounts. I would do the same.

Should incumbent MEPs be ranked by members?

Do you think EVERY Tory member in your region should be able to rank ALL MEP candidates at the next European elections?

Richard Ashworth MEP (SE): The current system was devised by the Board for this selection only. Once the election is over, no doubt the Board will reflect on, and review its operation with a view to deciding which system to use in future selection processes.

Dan Hannan MEP (SE): Yes

Niina Kaariniemi (SE): Definitely

Richard Robinson (SE): Yes

Therese Coffey (SE): Yes, I would support the Board moving to that selection process for next time.

Marc Brunel-Walker (SE): I am content with the Selection Rules established by the Board of the Conservative Party

Tony Devenish (SE): Like all the Candidates I knew what the rules were before I applied and I am content to adher to what the South East area Association delegates agreed. Anyway how could anyone object to incumbent MEP's such as Dan now expelled from the federalist EPP!

Sarah Richardson (SE): I would be happy for the rules to be changed to allow that for the next selection.

Should a Conservative government hold a retrospective referendum?

If the European Constitution (the Lisbon Treaty) should have received Royal Assent and been adopted by the other 26 member states BEFORE the election of a Conservative Government, should the Conservative Party hold a retrospective referendum on the text?

Richard Ashworth MEP (SE): I think we should continue to pressure the government to honour its promise to hold a referendum. We should fight the next election on a manifesto pledge to make the European Union more relevant to our aspirations and needs - and, of course, that will mean bringing some powers back to the nation state and holding a referendum on any new transfer of powers to the EU.

Dan Hannan MEP (SE): Yes

Niina Kaariniemi (SE): Yes

Richard Robinson (SE): No. A Conservative Government should immediately open negotiations on our relationship with the EU and the resulting agreement should be put to a referendum.

Therese Coffey (SE):  The Conservative Party should not and will not "let it rest there", to quote David Cameron and William Hague. A referendum on David Cameron’s new proposals for Europe may be more appropriate than a retrospective referendum but our focus should be 100% on securing the referendum on the Constitution now. I believe the results on the "I Want a Referendum" ballots in every region will reinforce the pressure on Brown to hold to his manifesto pledge.

Marc Brunel-Walker (SE):  If we do not succeed forcing a referendum in the Commons; if we fail to win in the Lords; if all other EU member states ratify the Treaty; and if an election is held later in this Parliament after the Lisbon Treaty has come into force we would be faced with the unacceptable situation of further integration having taken place without people being properly consulted.

Tony Devenish (SE): May I stress our European Campaign should be a united campaign dedicated to acting as a springboard for the defeat of Gordon Brown.

Sarah Richardson (SE): In reality, the Treaty would then have been enforced and we would have to go to Brussels and fight for powers back. This will be hard, but Mrs Thatcher showed that it can be done.  I would support a retrospective referendum to give us a mandate to do this.

Should Turkey join the EU?

Are you in favour of Turkey joining the EU?

Richard Ashworth MEP (SE): I am in favour of their membership provided it's a different kind of Turkey entering a different kind of EU.

Dan Hannan MEP (SE): I am in favour of Turkey being allowed to join; if I were Turkish, I would have severe doubts about the benefits.

Niina Kaariniemi (SE): Turkey need to meet the EU criteria before being invited to join. Currently they do not meet the criteria and therefore my answer is NO. We must not repeat the mistake we made by letting some of the Eastern European members joined before meeting EU standards.

Richard Robinson (SE): No. 72 million Turks have an average income about one seventh of that in Western Europe. Turkish membership of the EU would lead to unsustainable migration.

Therese Coffey (SE): Personally, Turkey feels a country and culture too far, however I recognise that the Party has long advocated membership of the EU for Turkey upon fulfilment of specified criteria and the UK should have Turkey as an ally. Indeed, the European Council of Ministers and Commission have led Turkey on with various carrots – it would be dishonest and dishonourable to backtrack due to certain European leaders trying to gain domestic political capital.

Marc Brunel-Walker (SE): I support the Conservative Party’s policy to support Turkey’s membership of the EU only when they meet in full the criteria.

Tony Devenish (SE): Our Party's position is clear to support membership when Turkey meets in full the relevant criteria.

Nirj Deva MEP (SE): Yes, subject to the country satisfying all its promises with regards to human rights and democratic reform.

Sarah Richardson (SE): I’m not confident that the EU could manage the free movement of people from Iraq to Ireland. In principle, I am in favour of Turkey joining but there are many issues to be resolved, including its human rights record. We should also develop a strategy for full membership for other countries, like Croatia, for example.

Would you sit as an independent outside the EPP?

This is the first of five policy questions we have asked MEP candidates, including incumbent MEPs. The EPP Declaration many refer to is here.

If we are unable to find enough other MEPs to form a new group, would you sit as an independent outside the EPP?

Richard Ashworth MEP (SE): That decision must be made by William Hague and David Cameron and our job as MEPs is to deliver their wishes.  I have signed the Party's pledge*.

Dan Hannan MEP (SE): Yes

Niina Kaariniemi (SE): Yes

Richard Robinson (SE): Yes

Therese Coffey (SE): We will be able to find enough other MEPs to form a new group. I will sit in the group that David Cameron signs us up to and he has already declared we will not be part of the EPP.

Marc Brunel-Walker (SE): If I am elected, I will respect the agreement made by David Cameron and Mirek Topolanek in July 2006*.

Tony Devenish (SE): My answer is as per the pledge all Candidates signed*.

Nirj Deva MEP (SE): Yes.  Since my election to the European Parliament in 1999, I have consistently supported any efforts to withdraw the Conservative Party from the EPP and strongly support efforts to form a new alliance with our free-market, Atlanticist allies (mainly in Eastern Europe).

Sarah Richardson (SE): Why are these questions always so defeatist? We should leave the EPP and launch a new group. Around 50% of Europeans were against the EU Constitution yet these views are not represented by the main groups in the European Parliament. That has to change and we can start it.

West Midlands MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Eveleigh Moore-Dutton: My upbringing in Southern Africa means that I see this country not as a minor province of a European super-state but as a positive, dynamic force at the centre of a world-wide network of trade, cultural and historic ties. It is a view that is too often lacking in the European parliament.

Anthea McIntyre: I bring a combination of business success and political experience.  I have the ability and determination to stand up for the interests of the people of the West Midlands and to represent them effectively in Brussels.  Having run a very successful business for sixteen years in this region and seen the stranglehold of red tape on enterprise, I will work to roll back the legislation continually foisted on us from Europe.

Dan Dalton: Life experience outside of politics from professional cricket, sports development, small business and work with young people. An understanding of the needs of younger generations. Significant experience of the European Parliament and how it works. A commitment to stand up for my country, region and Conservative Party principles.

East Midlands MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Rupert Matthews: I have a proven track record as a political campaigner and will bring these talents to bear on the European campaign. As a professional historian I bring a wider view to the EU issue. For the past 8 years I have worked closely with Chris Heaton-Harris and with Roger Helmer. I have seen how the European Parliament works on a daily basis, and how the European Union functions. And what is wrong with both. See my website for more details.

George Lee: I bring a blend of practical business experience, political acumen and a strong sense of being British. Running an internationally active business for 11 years I have lived the EU’s negative impact on regulation, its restrictions on free trade and the individual. I have been a Conservative on the political ‘front line’ for over 20 years and will fight solely for UK interests.

Fiona Bulmer: Having effective Eurosceptic representation in Europe has never been more important. I believe my range of experience both in politics and at a senior level in the business world mean I could make a difference by holding the EU institutions to account and campaigning for a new direction in Europe.

Emma McClarkin: Principles, not posturing. Doing what I say I will in Brussels in fighting for a better deal for Britain.

South West MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Julie Girling: I have the experience to do the job properly from senior management jobs in Argos, Dixons and Boots, time in the Far East, running a small company and winning elections at District and County level. My fellow Gloucestershire Conservatives chose me as District Council Leader then County Cabinet Portfolio Holder. If you ask them they’ll tell you I work unstintingly, I get things done, I deliver for my voters.

Ashley Fox: I've worked for our Party since 1985, in good times and bad.  I am an experienced campaigner and will stand up for Britain's interests at all times.  I am determined to oppose the Lisbon treaty, even if it is ratified.  I shall expose fraud in the EU and will not to go native.

Mike Dolley: I would bring an absolute passion to stand up for British interests and a determination to campaign on issues that matter to the South West. I would bring a resolve to bury once and for all the grand designs of Common Foreign and Defence policies. I would also bring a wealth of political experience and an in depth knowledge of the region as a whole (including Gibraltar!).

Don Collier: I have a wide range of business and political experience which I believe suits the roll well.  I don’t believe in a Federal United States of Europe. I do believe in free trade and free competition in the EU and individual sovereign states. I believe in Democracy, Accountability and Transparency. I will stand up for what I believe in and I will fight for  the South West, England and the UK.

Zehra Zaidi: I have the energy, commitment and expertise to give the South West a strong voice in Europe.  I have been involved in European policy/legal issues for 15 years and I have always been against the federal project.  I hope to use my experience in legal and economic reform work to push for greater transparency and accountability, to claw back powers to member states and shift the EU’s focus to trade and global poverty, and to engage the public on issues through local campaigning and community activism. I want to use my truly international background and passion for foreign affairs to defend British interests, particularly in tackling extremism.

North West MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Fiona Bruce: I would work hard to connect with voters in the North West so that they know me by name as their MEP candidate, and if elected, as their MEP. I would fight for a reduction in EU regulations which burden British business, better value and accountability for taxpayers’ money spent by the EU, a fairer share of EU funds for North West areas and a better deal for our rural communities.  I have evidenced from the way in which I have worked over the past twenty five years that I am committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Alexander Williams: As an MEP, I would seek a far better deal for the taxpayers of the North-West - it’s a disgrace that only £4 out of every £10 that we give to the EU is spent in the UK. Too much of our taxpayers money is wasted and too many of our law making powers have been signed away – I will fight to get them back

Peter Wilding: I was born and brought up in the area, I have 25 years campaigning experience, stood for Parliament, specialised in European law as a solicitor and am now head of the party's media operation in Brussels.

Welsh MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?  

Emma Greenow: Should I be elected as the Member of the European Parliament for Wales I will demand that Europe works for Wales. I will bring direct European experience in representing Wales in Europe, but I also an understanding from my current role of the burden felt by business from EU overregulation. I have determination for change and dedication to the party.

Evan Price: Using my expertise and learning from and listening to others with knowledge and expertise, I will bring fresh eyes and a practical approach to laws and regulations, concentrating on simplification and an open and accountable Parliament.  If elected, I will be a Welsh Conservative member of the Parliament.  You can read more about me at my website.

Kay Swinburne: I have extensive international business, finance & healthcare experience and will be a strong ambassador for Wales. I'm a Conservative Councillor serving as Chair Health Scrutiny for an area with high Welsh users, Town Mayor, former Deputy Chair NHCA, experienced political campaigner & community activist. I have advised governments and multinationals in negotiations and transactions in many Western, Central & Eastern European countries.

Karen Robson: I believe Wales needs a strong voice in Brussels and Brussels needs a good dose of common sense from Wales!  I’ve been a voice in Wales for disadvantaged people for many years and want to use my varied transferable skills and experience on behalf of Wales, as I did in the Assembly Elections.  For Welsh Conservatives, Europe means business—not red tape! I will bring a fresh perspective to the role and passionately defend our national interests. I have a proven track record of achieving meaningful change and see my move into the political arena as an extension of my previous work for communities in Wales.

London MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Warwick Lightfoot: I am a Eurosceptic City economist. As a former Special Adviser to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Employment I understand the economic and social challenges we face. I will work to protect London’s jobs and financial services from ill-conceived European regulation that would damage London.

Bob Seely: I want the EU to be a trading union of nations. Above that our MEPs should campaign to return power to the UK Parliament; we need to strengthen democracy, freedom and accountability, not weaken them. As your MEP I will lead an honest audit on the value of the EU to Britain, so that we, the people, can judge what level of EU membership is our best interests. I never support the Euro.

Alison Sproule: I will bring a fresh, effective approach to Europe.  Using my negotiating and communication skills which have been so potent in my strategy role at Macmillan Cancer Support, I will establish efficiencies through creating a clear understanding of issues and use this to negotiate the best possible outcome for Londoners.

Jean-Paul Floru: We have let the European superstate grow for far too long and must reverse the process.  I will insist on a clear election programme which demands drastic reform of the EU within strict time limits. I will never agree to a transfer of powers or to a tax increase. I will fight for the low regulation regime through which London flourishes. I will not go native: I did not move to Britain 14 years ago in order to see it become what I fled from.

Marina Yannakoudakis: I bring negotiating skills gained as the financial director of a company working with the Europeans. Additionally a business understanding of the challenges faced by London businesses from countless EU directives. I bring a strong solid political background as a London Borough councillor. A Euro sceptic approach to defend our sovereignty.

Graham Postles: I am an experienced political campaigner and a senior manager with an insight into the challenges of creating a free trade EU gained setting up a multi-member European network. I will fight to reduce EU interference, to repatriate powers to the UK and to further the economic interests of Londoners. I believe the EU needs to stop looking at structure, form and ever more intervention and instead follow a new, outward looking agenda, focusing on the challenges where multinational cooperation make sense - globalisation, the environment and tackling global poverty.

Eastern Area MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

John Flack: I am a successful businessman as well as having stood for the Euro Parliament twice before. I will speak up for the Eastern Counties with common sense based on traditional Conservative principles. I seek to work with fellow Conservatives to halt and then reverse progress to a single European super-state. If elected I will be a full time MEP promoting the interests of the Eastern Counties. I will be on your side not Brussels'. (Photo is John at yesterday's IWAR lobby explaining to an OAP why we need a referendum).

Jonathan Morgan: I'm a businessman, leading one of the Region's largest professional firms, managing about £2bn of contracts - as such I'm able to bring an astute understanding of what Brussels' bureaucracy means to real businesses in the Eastern Region, and the effect it has on job and wealth creation.

Vicky Ford: I will bring exceptional energy to the role. I offer experience of international finance and business at the highest level as well as local political experience. I am committed to combating fraud, putting the East of England and Britain first, getting a fair deal for our money – I won’t forget small businesses, mums at the school gate or our farmers.  Please visit my website for more information.

Clare Whelan: I have a great deal of political and practical experience as a leading councillor, former magistrate, and director of a political pressure group.  I am used to working at local, national and European level and with multi-million pound budgets. However big the figures though I always think about how proposals impact real people.   My particular area of interest is the environment.  I am a fan of smaller government and will push for less bureaucracy and red tape and stand up for the interests of the Eastern area.

Claire Strong: Experience - from my successful business career in the IT industry combined with 13 years in local government. I am a hard working campaigner and team player with plenty of energy and used to speaking up for the community I currently serve. As an MEP I would do the same. I will campaign for a EU that is reformed to do less and be more accountable.

South East MEP candidates

What would you bring to the role of MEP?

Richard Robinson: For 20 years I have run businesses in Europe: paper in Barcelona, property and language schools in Madrid, computers in Toulouse. I speak French and Spanish. I have the knowledge and skills to get the best deals for individuals, companies and councils in the South East Region.

Niina Kaariniemi: I will use my communication skills to improve two- way information exchange. I will fight to hold each EU Commissioner personally accountable for their budget. I believe in local accountability and devolution of power from EU and I will stand up for Britain’s fair share and rights in EU

Therese Coffey: We need to gain seats and I am a campaigner. As finance director of a medium-sized business, I plan to bring some reality to Parliament and financial scrutiny of the Commission and Overseas Aid budgets. Above all - I love my country. I want to get powers back from Brussels. I will battle for Britain.

Mark Brunel-Walker: I will represent your views at the European level, ensuring European Policies remain accountable to our population and its needs. I will promote a better understanding of the relevance of the EU and its policies, working with schools, the health sector, communities and businesses. I will bring hard work, humility, pride, trust and respect to the role of MEP - characteristics that I feel define us as a Nation.

Tony Devenish: As an active Conservative for 25 years' who has lived/worked in no fewer than four of the seven South East counties , I am a proven campaigner who will use the the role of an MEP as a spring board to repatriate powers from Brussels and defeat Gordon Brown.

Sarah Richardson: Twenty years’ commitment to the Conservative Party as a campaigner, a professional, a volunteer, an activist and a fundraiser. I also have the experience of being an MEP candidate in 2004 and expertise as a journalist and councillor giving a strong voice to those that struggle to be heard.

Questions to MEP candidates

This week we have been in contact with all those candidates shortlisted for ranking by members for each region in the EU elections. We've asked them two questions about why they are standing, and five specific ones on EU issues. Several sitting MEPs have also answered the policy questions.

We'll be posting their answers on here throughout the day, starting with the regional ones. A number of candidates and MEPs were not able to answer in time so we will be updating the posts as and when they come in.

Due to the extremely strict purdah rules it can be difficult for anyone but the most dedicated and mobile members in a region to know much about the candidates they are ranking as they are not allowed to solicit support or attend hustings. Less than half have websites, and tracking down email addresses for them all wasn't easy.

We hope these Q&As will provide a level playing field and help members make more informed votes.

We would like to emphasise that comments, which some candidates may be willing to answer, should be of a constructive nature. It's only fair. As with all comments on Seats & Candidates we will moderate any that breach our guidelines - if you think we've missed one please email us.

1pm update: Policy answers will be posted tomorrow at the request of several candidates.

Boris Johnson will resign as MP for Henley if he ousts Ken Livingstone

Boris Johnson has told the Oxford Mail that he will quit as MP for Henley if he ousts Ken Livingstone as London Mayor on 1st May.

This will produce an unwelcome by-election for the Conservatives although CCHQ would probably see it as an opportunity to promote one of its new A-list faces.

At the last General Election the LibDems were in second place with 26% of the vote.  Boris Johnson won more than twice as many votes - 24,894 or 53.5% of the total.

Visitors to PoliticalBetting.com have been discussing the possibilities.

Gavin Barwell adopted for Croydon Central

Gavin Barwell was adopted yesterday evening for Croydon Central, projected Labour majority of 317.

Gavin is a local councillor and a key aide to Lord Ashcroft's target seats programme.  He beat Lindsay Frost, Lynn Hale and Mimi Harker to the nomination.

***
ConservativeHome has learnt that approximately 48 hours ago, Mimi Harker was instructed by CCHQ to choose between Croydon Central and her place on the South East England MEP candidates' list.  Ms Harker chose to contest Croydon but it is a shame that CCHQ couldn't have waited until 10pm last night.  If Ms Harker had been successful in her Westminster ambitions it wouldn't have been too late to then top up the SE list.  There is nothing in the rules that prevents a candidate pursuing Westminster and European opportunities at the same time.

Finalists for Croydon Central

Three local Croydon councillors - Gavin Barwell, Lindsay Frost and Lynn Hale - plus Mimi Harker have been shortlisted for Croydon Central and its projected Labour majority of 317.  The seat is currently represented by Andrew Pelling, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

Three-quarters of Tory members want people to wait at least a year before becoming eligible to stand as a candidate

There was a lot of controversy recently when the Mail on Sunday revealed that Helen Grant - the candidate chosen to replace Ann Widdecombe for the Maidstone and the Weald constituency - had been considering standing for Labour just two years ago.  More controversial was the eve-of-poll revelation in Ealing Southall that our candidate, Tony Lit, had attended a Labour fundraiser only weeks earlier.  There was also some unhappiness that Saj Karim MEP, a recent defector from the LibDems, was 'toplisted' as a Conservative European elections candidate without grassroots members being given a say.

One of the questions we asked in the latest ConservativeHome.com survey concerned the minimum time that someone should have to wait before being eligible to stand as a Tory candidate.  More than 1,600 members voted in the survey and most agreed that there should be a minimum period; 25% thought that there should be no minimum time.

Given that it was about two years from Helen Grant's dalliance with Labour until she was adopted by Maidstone Tories, she satisfied the vast majority of members' expectations of a 'waiting time'.  CCHQ should, nonetheless, have told M&TW Tories about her recent political past.

Related link: Grassroots reject special favours for defectors

Edward Argar selected for Oxford East

Westminster Councillor Edward Argar has been selected to fight Oxford East.

The Conservatives are currently about 9000 votes behind in this Labour/LibDem marginal.

Norwich South Conservatives readopt Anthony Little

Cllr Little faces former Home Secretary Charles Clarke and his projected majority - over the LibDems - of 3,129.

More on the Norwich Conservatives' website.

MEP selection - rolling update

Our understanding is that all sitting MEPs seeking re-election have been now put back at the top of every regional list.

This page will contain rolling updates on the candidates chosen to appear below the sitting MEPs on regional lists..  Each regional list will now go to a ballot of all party members and they will decide which ranking each candidate is given on each list.

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

Therese Coffey
Tony Devenish
Mimi Harker (Withdraws to focus on Croydon Central)
Niina Kaariniemi
Sarah Richardson
Richard Robinson
Marc Brunel-Walker

EASTERN AREA

John Flack
Vicky Ford
Jonathan Morgan
Claire Strong
Clare Whelan

WEST MIDLANDS

Mike Burnett
Dan Dalton
Eveleigh Moore-Dutton
Anthea McIntyre
Mark Spelman

SOUTH WEST

Don Collier
Mike Dolley
Julie Girling
Zehra Zaidi
Emma McClarkin Withdrew for East Midlands 
Ashley Fox

LONDON

John-Paul Floru
Warwick Lightfoot
Graham Postles
Bob Seely
Alison Sproule
Marina Yannakoudakis

WALES

Emma Greenow
Evan Price
Karen Robson
Kay Swinburne

NORTH WEST

Simon Baker
Fiona Bruce
Jacqui Foster
James Walsh
Peter Wilding
Alex Williams

EAST MIDLANDS

Fiona Bulmer
George Lee
Rupert Matthews
Emma McClarkin

NORTH EAST

Sebastian A Leslie
Richard Bell
Barbara Musgrave
Gary Richardson
Emma Taylor-Smith

SCOTLAND

Gerald  Michaluk
P J  Lewis
Belinda Don
Donald  MacDonald
Helen Gardiner

Please email us if you know the names of people on other lists.

Dudley South Tories unveil the biggest political poster in the UK

Pedestrians and drivers using Kingswinford High Street in Dudley are being confronted by the biggest political poster in the UK - at least we think it is the biggest poster.

The poster is the brainchild of the seat's Conservative candidate, Chris Kelly.  Chris has issued the following statement:

"This is an innovative means of communicating with the people of Dudley South for which no taxpayer funded Parliamentary 'communications allowance' or trade union funds have been used. I want to make myself easily accessible to local residents which is why I have put my contact details on the posters. Residents can send me their views via my website, tellChris.com."

If you are pursuing an interesting campaign idea or tool please tell us about it.