MEP for Brighton and Hove defects from UKIP to Conservatives

One of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who represents Brighton and Hove has defected from the UK Independence Party (UKIP) to the Conservatives.

Marta Andreasen, who was elected in the South East England constituency in 2009, sent a resignation letter to the UKIP leader Nigel Farage yesterday (Friday 22 February).

She wrote: “UKIP has good people in it at grass roots that care about the future of the United Kingdom and our place in a renegotiated relationship with Europe.

“Unfortunately, their party leader treats any views other than his own with contempt.

“UKIP is his plaything to mould and shape in any way he sees fit, regardless of the views of others, myself included.

“His actions, surrounding himself with an old boys club of like-minded sycophants, are dictatorial in sharp contrast to those of David Cameron, who has shown he can listen, adapt and do what is right for the country, not just for personal gain.”

Marta Andreasen

She credited a speech by Mr Cameron last month about Britain’s relationship with the European Union for her change of allegiance.

She said: “The Prime Minister’s speech was a game changer.

“He promised to turn around the European freight train, which is currently heading towards a deeper federal Europe with no options for Britain.

“I was also reassured by the financial deal that David Cameron got for Britain on the EU Budget.

“This is a matter very close to my heart and for which I have fought hard, and it is an important step for Britain in this battle.”

She criticised Mr Farage for not standing in the Eastleigh by-election which was triggered by the resignation of former cabinet minister Chris Huhne.

And two weeks ago she accused Mr Farage of being a Stalinist and anti-women.

Mr Farage said: “Having left the OECD, the European Commission and UKIP in unpleasant circumstances, the Conservative Party deserve what is coming to them.

“The woman is impossible.”