Democratic Party (UK, 1998)

For other parties of the same name, see Democratic Party.
Democratic Party
Leader Geoff Southall
Founded 18 November 1998 (1998-11-18)
Headquarters Enigma House, Grovewood Rd, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1GD
Ideology Eurosceptic, Democratic

The Democratic Party was a political party in the United Kingdom, founded in November 1998 by Malvern businessman Geoff Southall, who also funded the party.[1][2] It was described as "right wing" or "hard right" in news reports, but claimed to occupy the centre-ground of British politics.[3] It aimed to reduce Britain's involvement with the European Union, opposed the adoption of the Euro,[1] called for direct democracy,[4] and argued for limits on immigration.[5] The slogan was "The will of the people NOT the party". In 1999 it had a few hundred members,[2] including previous supporters of James Goldsmith's Referendum Party.[6]

"If I say not very much, people will say I'm not very credible, and if I say I'm of putting in whatever it takes, I'm accused of buying democracy"

Geoff Southall on financing the Democratic Party[7]

Charles Beauclerk, Earl of Burford, stood as its candidate in the November 1999 Kensington and Chelsea by-election against Michael Portillo, receiving 189 votes (0.9%).[2][6] The party decided not to stand any candidates in the 2001 general election, citing a lack of media attention.[8] The party criticised the United Kingdom Independence Party in 2000 for being perceived as right-wing, lacking political acumen, and performing poorly in Westminster elections.[9] In 2003 the party took legal action against the UK government in the High Court over the then proposed EU Constitution.[10]

Until 2001 the home and legal affairs spokesman was Alan Kilshaw, who resigned when he and his then wife became involved in an adoption scandal.[3][5][11]

Other than seeking legal advice, the party has been inactive since at least 2005,[12][13] and received no income in 2008 or 2009.[14][15] According to the Electoral Commission the party was 'de-registered voluntarily' in June 2010.[16]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "New political party set up to reduce Britain's links with Europe". Associated Press. 18 November 1998. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 Peter, Walker (4 November 1999). "Rebel peer challenges Portillo". The Independent. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  3. 1 2 "For the good of the party (letter)". Daily Telegraph. 28 January 2001. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  4. Clark, Michael A.; (Constitutional Spokesman) (24 November 1998). "Rebuilding roots of true democracy (letter)". The Birmingham Post. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  5. 1 2 Boggan, Steve (18 January 2001). "FBI investigates 'lies' of mother who sold babies". The Independent. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  6. 1 2 Watt, Nicholas (5 November 1999). "Leaping lord hits first hurdle in Portillo contest". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  7. "Quotes of the week". The Independent. 29 November 1998. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  8. "An injection of Ashdown energy". Malvern Gazette. 25 May 2001. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  9. "PRESS RELEASES GENERAL". Democratic Party. 14 January 2000. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  10. "Letter from Geoff Southall and Michael Clark, The Democratic Party Limited". Select Committee on European Union. Houses of Parliament. 6 November 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  11. Hastings, Chris; Charlotte Edwardes (21 January 2001). "Internet couple lost £10,000 on earlier baby deal". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  12. "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2005" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  13. "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2007" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  14. "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2009" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  15. "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2008" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  16. "Electoral Commission – List of Political Parties..... deregistered since 2002" (PDF). Retrieved 17 November 2010.

External links

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