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Democratic Party (UK, 1998)

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For other parties of the same name, see Democratic Party.

Democratic Party
LeaderGeoff Southall
Founded18 November 1998 (1998-11-18)
HeadquartersEnigma House, Grovewood Rd, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1GD
IdeologyEurosceptic, 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. ^ a b "New political party set up to reduce Britain's links with Europe". Associated Press. 18 November 1998. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  2. ^ a b c Peter, Walker (4 November 1999). "Rebel peer challenges Portillo". The Independent. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  3. ^ a b "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. [dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b Boggan, Steve (18 January 2001). "FBI investigates 'lies' of mother who sold babies". The Independent. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
  6. ^ a b 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. [dead link‍]
  13. ^ "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2007" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010. [dead link‍]
  14. ^ "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2009" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010. [dead link‍]
  15. ^ "Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2008" (PDF). Electoral Commission. Retrieved 10 February 2010. [dead link‍]
  16. ^ "Electoral Commission – List of Political Parties..... deregistered since 2002" (PDF). Retrieved 17 November 2010.
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