Party politics
Sir: I don’t think it is true that I would be unhappy in any party, as Ross Clark suggests (‘The end of the party’ 14 September). I was very happy in the old Liberal party, which I joined as a 14-year-old and did not leave for almost 20 years. I then became a Eurorealist so could not join any major party. Having taken a leading role in the Bruges Group I then set up the Anti-Federalist League, which subsequently became Ukip. Between 1988 and 1997 I spent a huge amount of time writing pamphlets, fighting by-elections, fighting general and European elections, leading parties and campaigns — while all the time teaching and researching at LSE, my only salaried post. So again, I remained consistently in one camp. I don’t think the idea that I flit around constantly from one cause to the next bears the slightest resemblance to the truth. I have always supported the one cause for years if not decades, and I have changed only when the party I supported changed — when Liberals became Lib Dems, and Ukip became dominated by right-wing extremists.
Founding New Deal means my old pattern of hard work and commitment to principle remains. I now see social inequality and the EU as the two great challenges facing Britain. Your own recent article on the decline of the middle classes (24 August) proves my point. This new party is worth joining for anyone who wishes to protect our democracy. They need not fear being abused for lack of consistency — their conscience will be their defence.
Alan Sked
Professor of International History, LSE
Sir: If we do kill off political parties, single-issue pressure groups will dominate the political landscape even more. These invariably demand more regulation and more public spending in relation to their pet projects.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in