Speaking
to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Spink said last night: "I
am delighted to join the Ukip team, helping to fight
for Britain 's interests in Europe and forbetter
policy on the issues that really matter to people.
"I
have been increasingly disappointed with the Tory
Party's failure to be honest with the public on a
wide range of issues like pensions, crime, immigration
and defence. "Dishonesty
over the EU constitution is the Tories' greatest
failure.
"They
heap criticism on other parties, but refuse to remove
the constitution if they ever get power.
"The
public see this as opportunistic and hypocritical,
but sadly, it is typical of Westminster politics. It
is little wonder the public hold politicians in such
contempt."
Mr
Spink was welcomed to Ukip by Nigel Farage, the party's
leader. "I am delighted to welcome the hard-working
and deeply principled Bob Spink as Ukip's first member
of Parliament," he said.
Lord
Willoughby de Broke, a Ukip peer, added: "I
am thrilled that Ukip now has a representative in
the House of Commons. "I
look forward to working with him to further Ukip's
programme of leaving the European Union."
Mr
Spink is a controversial political figure who fell
out with David Cameron
after problems with his local constituency party Senior
Conservative sources insisted last night that they
were relaxed about Mr Spink defecting and said Ukip
were "welcome to him".
A
Tory insider said: "You won't find many tears
being shed over this in the
Conservative Party - more like the sound of popping corks."
Mr
Spink was first elected to Parliament in 1992.
He
lost his seat in 1997, but regained it in 2001, and
Ukip sources said they
are confident he will retain his seat at the next general election. |
