Democratic Party (UK, 1998) explained
The Democratic Party was a political party active in the United Kingdom between 1998 and 2005, although not officially deregistered until 2010.
It was founded in November 1998 by Malvern businessman Geoff Southall, who also funded the party.[1] It was described as "right wing" or "hard right" in news reports, but claimed to occupy the centre-ground of British politics. It aimed to reduce Britain's involvement with the European Union, opposed the adoption of the euro,[1] called for direct democracy,[2] and argued for limits on immigration. The party's slogan was "The will of the people NOT the party". It had a few hundred members in 1999, including previous supporters of James Goldsmith's Referendum Party.[3]
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%).[4] [3] The party decided not to stand any candidates in the 2001 general election, citing a lack of media attention.[5] It criticised the United Kingdom Independence Party in 2000 for being perceived as right-wing, lacking political acumen, and performing poorly in Westminster elections.[6] In 2003, the party took legal action against the UK government in the High Court over the then-proposed EU Constitution.[7]
Until 2001 the party's Home and Legal Affairs spokesman was Alan Kilshaw, who resigned when he and his then wife became involved in an adoption scandal.[8] [9] [10]
Other than in seeking legal advice, the party was inactive after 2005 at the latest,[11] [12] and received no income in 2008 or 2009.[13] [14] According to the Electoral Commission the party was 'de-registered voluntarily' in June 2010.[15]
See also
External links
Notes and References
- News: New political party set up to reduce Britain's links with Europe . 18 November 1998 . Associated Press. 11 January 2010.
- News: Rebuilding roots of true democracy (letter) . Clark . Michael A. . (Constitutional Spokesman) . 24 November 1998 . . 11 January 2010.
- News: Leaping lord hits first hurdle in Portillo contest . Watt . Nicholas . 5 November 1999 . . 11 January 2010.
- News: Rebel peer challenges Portillo . Peter . Walker . 4 November 1999 . . 11 January 2010.
- News: An injection of Ashdown energy . 25 May 2001 . . 11 January 2010.
- Web site: PRESS RELEASES GENERAL . 14 January 2000 . Democratic Party . 11 January 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100429182610/http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/e01/man/demp/gen_rel.htm . 29 April 2010 . dead .
- Web site: Letter from Geoff Southall and Michael Clark, The Democratic Party Limited . 6 November 2007 . Select Committee on European Union . Houses of Parliament . 11 January 2010.
- News: For the good of the party (letter) . 28 January 2001 . . 11 January 2010.
- News: FBI investigates 'lies' of mother who sold babies . Boggan . Steve . 18 January 2001 . The Independent . 11 January 2010.
- News: Internet couple lost £10,000 on earlier baby deal . Hastings . Chris . Charlotte Edwardes . 21 January 2001 . The Daily Telegraph . 11 January 2010.
- Web site: Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2005 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090302221005/http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/47072/DemocraticParty_19699-14427__E__N__S__W__.PDF . dead . 2 March 2009 . Electoral Commission . 10 February 2010.
- Web site: Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2007 . Electoral Commission . 10 February 2010.
- Web site: Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2009 . Electoral Commission . 10 February 2010.
- Web site: Democratic Party Statement of Accounts 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090610085311/http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/76431/The-Democratic-Party-SOA-2008.pdf . dead . 10 June 2009 . Electoral Commission . 10 February 2010.
- Web site: Electoral Commission – List of Political Parties..... deregistered since 2002 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101011140327/http://registers.electoralcommission.org.uk/files/dms/Renamed-or-Deregistered-Parties_30605-22767__E__N__S__W__.pdf . dead . 11 October 2010 . 17 November 2010.
