News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Ann-Widdocombe-IB-Main_article_image.jpg
UK News

Ann Widdecombe not impressed by UKIP win

The Catholic writer and broadcaster has been speaking after Mark Reckless, who defected from the Conservatives, regained his Rochester and Strood seat.

UKIP now has 2 MPs in Parliament and leader Nigel Farage says it means "literally anything could happen" at next year's general election.

He's also suggested that other Conservative MPs are ready to join his party.

Results:

Mark Reckless (UKIP) 16,867 (42.10%)
Kelly Tolhurst (Conservative) 13,947 (34.81%)
Naushabah Khan (Labour) 6,713 (16.76%)

But Ann Widdecombe's not impressed. Speaking to Premier she said: "It was not unexpected. The margin wasn't terrific. Consistently on the ground we've been told that people were lending their vote to UKIP, but in a general election would vote for a party which is capable of government which, of course, UKIP isn't.

"I think that's the whole point. What happened last night isn't going to change the government.

"What happens in May can."

Mary Reckless beat his former party by almost 3,000 vote but just a 4% swing could see the seat going back to the conservatives.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This result was the closer than the forecasters predicted and I want to congratulate Kelly Tulhurst (Conservative candidate) on such a positive and strong campaign.

"Let me say I'm absolutely determined to win this seat back at the next general election."

Listen to Ann Widdecombe speaking to Premier's Lisa Mainwaring:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate