In the first of a new series of interviews with Derbyshire politicians, political editor Chris Mallett talks elections, the EU, and switching party allegiance with UKIP chairman for central and south Derbyshire Alan Graves.
Q When you first left Labour in May 2009 it was to be an independent councillor. Why did you decide to do this? Had you always planned to join UKIP?
ADisillusionment with Labour had set in for some time, both nationally and then locally. I did take a long time to think it through before I actually severed links. I made the decision that voters had voted for me (and in essence for Labour) and so to join another party would be unfair on them at that time. I remained independent until I could no longer vote in the Council House and it was then that I decided to join UKIP. I hadn't always planned to join UKIP but their policies and how they represented people was how I think politics should be. Not toeing the party line is a huge difference between us and with absolute confidence I can say UKIP is best placed to put Derby and this country's interests first.
Q How do you think the people that voted for you as a Labour candidate felt about you joining UKIP?
AUKIP was the only party at the time to talk about immigration, a referendum on the EU and fairness to the people of our country. These were the same discussions I was having for many years, even when I was in the Labour Party, with my constituents, family and friends. The old parties promised a referendum on the EU and promptly broke those promises. Immigration was batted away by them calling anyone that wanted to talk about the problem racist. Now UKIP has forced this on to the political agenda in line with people's concerns. We now see areas of imbalance in fairness between local people and new immigrants impacting on housing, the NHS, public services and wages. These are real impacts and people are unhappy. The only people to complain about me joining UKIP were Labour Party councillors and members. A lot of residents that voted for me as a Labour candidate also voted for me as a UKIP candidate. That speaks volumes.
Q Many of UKIP's political opponents believe they have only policies that apply to the national stage. Why do you believe the party has a place in local government?
AAll political parties rely on what is being said nationally. This sways many people on how they vote locally. Equally, there are people who truly vote locally and in many instances that can mean voting for individuals. I know that many people in my last election for Alvaston voted for me and not the party. That was also the case when I was in the Labour Party. I do find that the view you mention is portrayed by the old parties to dismiss UKIP. We put residents first. No other party has this as a clear instruction to its representatives. Therefore, no other party can represent local people in the way UKIP can. Additionally, we do have a full range of policies that relate to local government. We are currently in the process of drafting our manifesto for the 2014 local elections in Derby.
Q You predicted that UKIP would win 30% of seats in the county council elections. What is your reaction to having won none?
AClearly I am disappointed. But – and it is a big but – I am very pleased that we came second in 17 seats. We took over 30% of the vote in some of those seats and, overall, our share of the vote was around 25%. From a standing start, that is an excellent result.
Q Will you stand in the Derby City Council elections next year? If so, where?
AI fully intend to re-contest Alvaston ward where I have a proven track record and great support from local residents. They deserve better than they have got currently and I am committed to providing that alternative.
Q What do you think of UKIP's chances in those elections?
AI am expecting the city council to have some UKIP councillors. We will continue to work hard and show voters we are worth voting for. Remember, if people vote UKIP, they'll get UKIP. We're not here to come second or split anyone's vote – we focus on winning.
Q How will the Conservatives' efforts to enshrine in law an in/out referendum on the UK's EU membership affect UKIP voters?
ANot one bit. Some of the Conservatives are frightened about losing their seats and realise that this issue is a big one. The Tories do not want to come out of Europe, which is why "Cast Iron" Dave broke his promise from last time. There is no reason to believe him this time. The really interesting issue is with the Labour Party, which also gave us a broken promise in its last Government. They also do not want to leave the EU but are hedging their bets on whether to promise the same as the Conservatives. Either way, it's quite clear that both parties will fudge the issue as best they can. UKIP are clear – we want to know what people want with no grey areas. Do they want to stay in the EU, yes or no?
Q Will you run for UKIP in the Parliamentary elections in 2015? If so, where?
AI would like to say yes, but UKIP's strict selection process has not been finalised yet. Bear in mind we have some very capable people waiting in the wings.
Do you want to quiz deputy leader of Derby City Council Ranjit Banwait, also the cabinet member for neighbourhoods and Streetpride?
If so, e-mail a question of no more than 20 words to chris.mallett@derbytelegraph. co.uk.
