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I am seeing quite a lot about about our local MP in the papers name Lee Anderson. there should be in my opinion, where, some-one stands as a labour candidate and gets to be in the House of commons as an MP Then changes to another party what is Joe public to think. I have just voted for ????? he was very good as a ??? but now he has changed to a different Party Should he not stand again for the other party as he was voted when he stood for one party because he changed from that party to another the party I did not vote for. Why can Lee Anderson

The subject of voting for someone who has changed to a different political party highlights the question of whether - in an election - you vote for a person or a party. For instance…if you were a dedicated Labour voter, but you didn’t like or approve of the candidate - would you still vote Labour ? If you liked the candidate as a person, but didn’t agree with their party politics, which way would you vote ?

If you read the Reform Manifesto, it is full of superficially attractive proposals and even some, such as Proportional Representation, which I agree with. But when you dig deeper, there are some worrying ideas.

Agreed, and yes, lots have done it, including, as I recall, Churchill. But just because it's been done, doesn't mean it should. I'd be in favour of insisting on a by election for anyone wishing to change party allegiance, or even anyone who has 'the whip' permanently removed by their party.

Excellent question CT. The old old cry of he's an unelected Prime Minister highlights it. We don't and never have voted for a Prime Minister, we vote for a party and the party leader is elected by party members to become PM by default. The leader/candidate's personality and popularity though can make that seem nonsensical and I'm reasonably sure in many peoples minds they're voting for personality not policy.

You’ll be in the area on the 12th though eh Beekay ? Presumed Tina would be coming too.

Hopefully Farage will simply fade away, but the present appalling state of politics in the UK is opening doors that should remain closed. The mess made by the present lot and the abysmal Labour lack of direction and passive opinions can make strident voices like Farage and Anderson seem attractive. They're are seemingly offering a positive view and certainty in an uncertain world. I've noted before we should not side-line or ignore him. Those who cry it's just 'populism politics' need to reconsider what that actually means.

@MRS B, Right oh Mrs. Lady. I'll make sure to bring me own knife, fork n spoon, with me own plate, ( all suitably labelled with me name). Assuming 'er indoors lets me come that is). By the way, I'll be going up to Thoresby the day after.

The only fishing I enjoy is sea fishing from a boat or fishing a Scottish Loch from a boat. I never want to catch anything, I just love being on a boat! Not a cruise ship I hasten to add.