Democratic Party (UK, 1998)
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| Democratic Party | |
|---|---|
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| Leader | Geoff Southall |
| Founded | 18 November 1998 |
| Headquarters | Enigma House, Grovewood Rd, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1GD |
| Ideology | Eurosceptic, Democratic |
| Politics of United Kingdom Political parties Elections |
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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]
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"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
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External links
- Official site (mirrored and an archived copy from 2005 on the Internet Archive).
