By Martin Banks - 24th January 2012
It's a case of revolving political doors
Chris Davies
UK MEP Chris Davies has resigned as Liberal Democrat whip in parliament in a gesture of protest against the expected confirmation that Stewart Arnold is to be one of the party's MEPs.
He said that the replacement of existing MEP Diana Wallis, who is to resign on 31 January by her husband "did not feel right".
Party bosses have told him that they do not intend to intervene in the process, a decision which Davies says he "regrets".
Davies said, "The party's selection rules are being followed correctly but they were not intended to address situations of this kind.
"The arrangements being made by the wife and husband smells to me of nepotism. It's a case of revolving political doors and I don't feel comfortable with it.
"Liberal Democrats have 12 MEPs and as whip I should not be partisan. But I cannot imagine being anything other than prejudiced against Stewart Arnold."
The resignation of Wallis, the day after she mounted a failed bid to become president of parliament, came as a shock to her colleagues.
In her resignation statement she said that "a fresh pair of eyes" were now needed.
Arnold has been her paid parliamentary assistant since her election.
Although the Parliament now forbids new MEPs to employ members of their family the rule does not apply to those already in place.
He narrowly secured second place on the party's list of candidates for the region after a contest in 2007. This means that he is certain to be offered the position vacated by his wife that carries a salary of over €80,000, plus generous expenses.
Chris Davies says that he hopes that Arnold can be persuaded not to take up the seat.
He said, "I hope he will realise that many people, including Liberal Democrat activists, will be deeply unimpressed by the arrangement made between he and his wife. For the reputation of the party and parliament he should withdraw his name."
