UKIP Atlas of The World

It seems UKIP MEPs are using a this internally drawn up Atlas of The World.

UKIP Atlas of The World

References to a communist Soviet Russia, South Africa being "much maligned" and Grantham being a major British city are evidence of a political mindset stuck in the 80's.

(This is actually a, slightly modified, version of a page that appeared in a Spitting Image publication from the late 80s relating to the Tories.)

Farage's Folly?

I'm not sure Nigel Farage was wise to announce that he's considering running in the Eastleigh by-election.

On the one hand, if he decides not to, he'll look like he's running scared of a fight in a seat currently held by the Euro-fanatical Lib-Dems. He'd have to come up with a pretty convincing reason not to run now.

On the other, if he does stand he'll almost certainly lose and, in the process, block the candidate of the only other party committed to delivering a referendum on EU membership and letting in Labour or the Lib Dems. This will illustrate perfectly the Tory message that a vote for UKIP is a vote for the EU fan boys in Labour and the Lib Dems.

There is a third option around a electoral pact. Toby Young proposes one scenario whereby the Tories don't stand in Eastleigh if UKIP agree not to oppose Tories in any of their current seats.

I can't see this being acceptable to the local party, given that they have a chance of winning. However, given the Lib Dems duplicitous reneging on their coalition agreement commitment to even-up the sizes of parliamentary constituencies, the Tories do need to look at more tactical options, as the system is rigged against them.

Not Very Local Elections

One pledge seems to be missing from this UKIP local election leaflet that's just come through my door - to fight for the UK's immediate withdrawal from the EU...

I'm sure Rushmoor Borough Council would be able to achieve such a promise if we fill it with enough UKIPpers.

Of course I'm indulging in the lowest form of wit. At least this leaflet is attempting to deal with local issues. Local elections are far too influenced by national politics. The last time these local seats were fought over, Labour were decimated due to the party's national unpopularity. Now the Tories and Lib Dems are going to suffer a similar (if not worse) fate, especially given the incredible low base Labour is starting from. Which is a shame as it will land many voters with higher council taxes and worse local services as a result.