News

7th March 2002

John Bowis MEP welcomes Labour defector, Richard Balfe MEP, to the Conservatives

John Bowis – Conservative Member of the European Parliament for London - has welcomed the announcement that London MEP Richard Balfe has decided to defect from the Labour Party after 41 years as a member, to join the Conservative Party.

John Bowis said, “I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Richard Balfe to the Conservative team of MEPs for London, following his defection from Labour. There is no doubt that Richard is man of integrity and principle. I look forward to working with him in the European Parliament in the interests of the people of the London region.”

John Bowis added, “Richard Balfe has cited that one of his reasons for joining the Conservatives was Labour’s obsession with spin and failure to deliver real improvements on the public services. I am confident that like Richard Balfe, many people in London will see the merits in supporting Iain Duncan-Smith’s Conservative Party, with its emphasis on tolerance, honesty and integrity.”

Notes: 5 of London’s 10 MEPs are now Conservative: Richard Balfe, Lord Bethell, John Bowis OBE, Dr Charles Tannock & Theresa Villiers.