Conservative party gains new member after UKIP MEP defects

Amjad Bashir, former member of the UKIP party, has left UKIP to become a Conservative party member.

Bashir’s former party has claimed that he was suspended over financial and employment concerns.

Mr Bashir stated that the allegations brought against him were “absurd and made-up”.

He also stated that the reasons for his departure are not racial or religious intolerance, which the party has previously been accused of.

As a key figure from an ethnic-minority background who focussed on community issues, this move may be a blow for leader Nigel Farage who had described Mr Bashir as his “secret weapon”.

Answering for his motivations behind his departure, Mr Bashir noted that he believed the Conservative party were in a position of greater control with regards to dealing with immigration and praised their position on a European referendum.

Mr Bashir had previously been a Conservative party member but joined UKIP three years ago.

He apparently met with prime minister David Cameron who was said to be “absolutely delighted” to have him back in the party.

In a statement to the BBC, Mr Bashir commented: “I think it is right that I make good the promises I made to my electorate and join a party that is able to deliver those promises.”

He also criticised UKIP, calling them “amateur” and referring to their lack of policy making as “ridiculous”.

There are apparently rumours of another UKIP member possibly defecting after Amjad Bashir’s departure; indeed his decision could set a possible trend.

This defection will provide some credibility for Cameron’s party in the lead up to May’s general elections.

Halimat Shode