The hypocrisy of Derek Clark: Tony Ellwood is sacked

Tony Ellwood - Derek Clark’s political researcher- has been sacked on trumped-up charges following disagreements between the two.

Problems started after Clark went to Bucharest and signed a declaration espousing the principle of "subsidiarity". Prior to this UKIP has always been in favour of total withdrawal from the EU. By accepting the principle of subsidiarity UKIP was now accepting the authority of the union to take decisions which are not devolved to national or regional government.

At the same time Clark also signed up to the principle of "reforming" the Common Agricultural Policy, something which UKIP had previously refused to recognise at all.

Mr Ellwood naturally felt that this was a betrayal of everything UKIP stood for.

Tony Ellwood is set to resign as the Chairman/Secretary of UKIP North Nottingham.

Mr Ellwood joined UKIP in 1994 and was largely responsible for co-ordinating UKIP's East Midland's EU campaign in 2004. He was also the Regional Treasurer.

Clearly Clark is a hypocrite. He is yet another example of a UKIP MEP gone native. His 'patriotism' can be bought for £60,000 plus expenses. No wonder he wants to do a second term in Brussels! Fortunately it is extremely unlikely that he will get re-elected.

Derek Clark is currently under investigation by the EU's anti-fraud office.

Derek Clark OLAF Case Number: D/007/033/04.09.08

Derek Clark OLAF Investigation Number: DD/FD-D2008.A1/7133/OF/2008/0240

OLAF officials have now interviewed two of Mr Clark’s former colleagues.