Tory MEP breaks silence on ousting

The former leader of the British delegation of Tory MEPs has broken his silence on his ousting.

Tim Kirkhope, who last week lost a re-election contest to Giles Chichester by one vote, said he will now “review” his position.

Kirkhope, who had led the group for three years, told this website he had not been offered a new post under Chichester.

He said, “I would, naturally, have preferred the opportunity to continue the work I have been doing for the past few years.

“But that is politics and I respect and accept the decision made by the delegation.

“I am not going to pack my bags and go home but, in due course, I will review my political ambitions.”

Kirkhope, whose failure to get re-elected surprised some UK MEPs, continues as the group’s transport spokesman.

Chichester, meanwhile, is backing plans by party leader David Cameron to pull the delegation out of the EPP-ED after the 2009 European elections.

Cameron wants the Tories to form a new political grouping after the election.

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