The UK Independence Party has its first MP after former Conservative Bob Spink announced he is to join its ranks.
Mr Spink resigned the Tory whip last month in a row over apparent efforts by his local party to deselect him.
He claims the Conservatives have been "dishonest" over their Europe policies and says a by-election in his Castle Point constituency is unnecessary.
UKIP say they are "delighted" about their new recruit. Senior Tories say they are "relaxed" about the move.
Mr Spink said he had decided to leave the Conservatives after years of being "disenchanted" with the party.

BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | Ex-Tory MP Spink defects to UKIP

Quite a coup for UKIP and good timing with elections looming , it will be interesting to see if he holds on at the next general election .... i doubt it.

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The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries - Winston Churchill