By Martin Banks - 1st February 2012
I feel terribly sorry for Rupert
Roger Helmer
UK Tory rebel MEP Roger Helmer has launched a blistering attack on the party's hierarchy over his decision to quit parliament.
Helmer criticised the party for its "appalling" treatment of Rupert Matthews, the man who is supposed to automatically take his seat.
Senior head office Conservatives are unsure whether Matthews, a publisher, should slot into the vacancy.
Matthews was third on the Tory list at the last European elections, so should be next in line to fill any vacancy.
Helmer said the "cloud of uncertainty" means that both he and Matthews have been forced to put their plans "on hold".
Helmer told this website, "It doesn't affect me so much because I simply carry on being an MEP.
"But I feel terribly sorry for Rupert because all this has created terrible problems for him
"He has been treated appallingly by the party. He had been running down his business activities in the expectation that he would now have taken my seat in parliament.
"He has put both his business and personal life on hold while all this is going on."
Helmer intended stepping down at Christmas but Matthews has been called to a series of meetings with party chiefs and questioned about his suitability.
The reason why Matthews may worry the party are unknown, but his books on alien encounters and UFOs have raised some political eyebrows.
Helmer added, "The Tory policy at present seems to one of masterly inactivity. The view seems to be that as no vacancy exists there's nothing for them to do.
"But I won't allow this to go on indefinitely. I am seeking some assurances about Rupert and, unless I get them, I am not inclined to step down."
