Lib Dem MEP defects to Tories
Monday, 26 November 2007 12:00 AM
One of the Liberal Democrats' MEPs said he could not see the point of the liberal party, as he announced his defection to the Conservatives today.
Sajjad Karim, who represents the North West constituency in the European parliament, said he would sit with the Conservatives after being won over by David Cameron's "liberal conservatism".
In contrast he dismissed the Liberal Democrats as a "spent force" and said the party had a collective tendency to "bury its head in the sand".
However, the Liberal Democrats argue Mr Karim has defected because he was not selected to represent the party in the 2009 European elections.
The North West region has been left with one less MEP after the expansion of the European Union and Mr Karim polled second in his bid for reselection.
Mr Karim was the first Muslim MEP when he was elected to the European parliament in 2004.
His defection leaves the Liberal Democrats with 11 MEPs in Europe, while the Tory ranks swell to 28.
In a statement issued by the Conservatives, Mr Karim insisted he had been won over by the new-look Tories.
"Two years ago, David Cameron described himself as a liberal conservative and that's very much how I see myself, but I needed to be convinced that he could change his party and now I am.
"David Cameron's recent speech on immigration was incredibly impressive - sensible, rational and positive. It persuaded me that he is a leader who has changed his party and will change this country."
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Karim delivered a stinging attack on the Liberal Democrats, who are electing their third leader in two years.
He said it would make little difference whether Chris Huhne or Nick Clegg won the leadership battle because it is "very difficult to identify at this moment their actual purpose."
The 37-year-old lawyer said: "I have served loyally for some 18 years, and now I am at a stage where clearly I feel that they have lost their way. They just don't seem to be serious about their politics."
In contrast, he said Mr Cameron was successfully reaching out to modern society and praised his speeches on the environment and cooperative schools.
The Conservative leader said today he was "delighted" to welcome the "hardworking MEP" to the party.
Timothy Kirkhope, the Conservative leader in the European parliament, added: "I know that he will contribute much to our work as the largest British delegation of the parliament and as we pursue our policies for a better Europe."
Liberal Democrats reportedly privately doubt Mr Karim's motives.
Andrew Duff, leader of the Lib Dems in the European parliament, said he was sorry to lose Mr Karim and had not had him down as a Eurosceptic.
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