Why we want MP to resign - Letter published in Richmond and Twickenham Times

Friday 13th September 2002

Sir,-A few weeks ago a letters correspondant and Independent candidate at recent elections asked that Jerry Shadbolt, a member of UKIP Richmond Park, desist from attacking our' MP Jenny Tonge. Jenny Tonge had just expressed support for the legalising of drug trafficking (so that the government may acquire revenue from it).

This item prompted a discussion at a UKIP Richmond Park committee meeting who have offered the following statement.

"Whatever one's individual views on local issues, everyone in the borough is reminded that Jenny Tonge does not speak for the majority in the borough. She won only 36 per cent of the votes cast in the borough at the general election (even less when compared to the full electorate).

A similar view was restated at the local elections which saw the Lib Dems trounced. Clearly her position as MP should be untenable, she has no right to claim that she represents this borough.

"We recognise that we do not live in a democracy, but suggest to Jenny Tonge that as she supports democracy, purportedly a core principle of the Liberal Democrats, she could demonstrate that principle by resigning. Her continuing in that role is in direct contradiction not only of democratic principles but also of the Liberals' famous proportional representation view, noticeably discarded over recent years since it would no longer suit them."

"On the occasions that she provides a satisfactory service as an MP, we expect no less as fair return for the salary she is being paid. We invite her to state publicly how, in her parliamentary position, she intends to reflect the views of the 64 per cent majority (of those who cared to vote) and those who are not Lib Dems in this borough."

"It is our present policy that on every and any occasion where we believe she provides a disservice to the borough, we will bring this to everyone's attention in no uncertain terms. UKIP Richmond Park does not recognise her qualification to represent the borough in Parliament.

On behalf of the majority who did not vote for Jenny Tonge at the General Election or for the Liberals at the local elections we invite her to resign."-Jerry Shadbolt, chairman of the United Kingdom Indepen-dence Party, Sheen Road, Richmond.