Ex-Tory branch boss is to stand for UKIP (From Worcester News)

Ex-Tory branch boss is to stand for UKIP

8:10am Monday 15th February 2010 in

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A FORMER Conservative branch chairman is to contest Worcester at the next general election for UKIP.

Jack Bennett, who was chairman of the Conservatives in the Upton-upon-Severn area between 2003 and 2005, parted with the party over its stance on the European Union (EU).

Mr Bennett, who joined UKIP about three years ago, said a UKIP win in Worcester would be “huge news” but admitted he was “scared stiff” standing as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the first time.

The 72-year-old father-of-two, of Ryall, near Upton-upon-Severn, will do battle at the ballot box with the city’s current MP Mike Foster, Labour, and prospective parliamentary candidates Robin Walker, Conservative; Louis Stephen, Green Party; independents Andrew Christian-Brookes and Peter Nielsen. Although the Liberal Democrats have not yet announced they will be contesting the city’s seat at the general election, your Worcester News understands the party will put forward a candidate.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch held at Worcester Racecourse, where Mr Bennett was general manager for 17 years, the former King’s School Worcester pupil said: “A win for UKIP in Worcester would be huge news because it would herald a genuine change in the driection of British politics which so many people want. Mr Bennett, who was born in Hanley Castle, said he believed completing the ring road around Worcester needed to happen, but added he thought there would be enough money to dual the southern link road if the country left the EU. Mr Bennett said he wanted tighter restrictions on immigration with only exceptional workers entering the country over the next five years based on a points system similar to Australia’s.

Mr Bennett, who has been married to Mary for 49 years, also said he wanted more money to be spent on caring for the elderly and increasing pay for carers.

About 20 people turned up to Mr Bennett’s launch with some asking questions on a variety of subjects.