NO doubt opponents of Nigel Mills will accuse him of seeking cheap popularity as he spearheads the fight to block immigration from Bulgaria and Romania in the New Year.
Certainly, the Conservative Amber Valley MP will get nods of approval from many in his constituency, and beyond, as he spells out why he believes this country's resources will be unacceptably stretched.
But let us give him the benefit of whatever doubt may be voiced over his motives in pushing himself to the forefront of this campaign.
The marked improvement in the fortunes of the UK Independence Party in the last couple of years is unquestionably a reflection of public concern over immigration issues.
From starting out as an occasional nettle sting to the three leading national parties, UKIP has become a painful thorn in their sides – and one which could cause significant wounds to their prospects in many seats in the next general election.
Immigration is fast becoming – if it is not already there – the main concern to the British public.
There will always be a minority whose opposition to further immigration is primarily rooted in their racist outlook.
But the worries of the majority extend far beyond the religion, political persuasion or colour of the skins of the Bulgarians and Romanians eyeing the British lifestyle in 2014.
It is their potential impact on so many areas of everyday life that troubles so many.
School-leavers, graduates and those of any age who have suffered redundancy are finding it hard enough to secure work without the prospect of an influx of more people chasing jobs – particularly if the immigrants are prepared to accept rock-bottom wages to make themselves more attractive to employers.
The current shortage of family housing, which sees many young couples having to live with parents, will inevitably be made worse by further immigration.
If more houses are to be built, where will they go?
Schools and health services, already at full stretch in many areas, will also feel the strain.
And the state benefits system, already being painfully "adjusted" for many recipients to cope with tough economic times, can hardly be expected to comfortably accommodate the feared influx.
Mr Mills and just about everybody else knows this. Even within his own party, though, there are not too many who would be prepared to put themselves on a collision course with their leadership by heading the rebellion on this matter.
That takes a degree of courage and represents something of a gamble with his own political career prospects – in the short term, at least.
