Farage versus Bercow - seconds out
Thursday, September 3, 2009 
The news that Nigel Farage is to stand against the Speaker John Bercow at the next election brightened up my day considerably. Bercow has reason to be concerned. If I lived in Buckingham I would almost certainly vote for Farage - not because I support UKIP (I don't) but because, as a libertarian-leaning conservative, I have far more in common with Farage than I do with his paternalistic opponent.
I have nothing against Bercow personally. We have a mutual friend - who I once worked for - and on the few occasions I have met him John has always been perfectly pleasant. I certainly don't dislike him in the way that many of his colleagues do. He's no fool and given time I suspect he could become a highly respected Speaker.
Nevertheless ... Bercow voted for the smoking ban. He supports a ban on tobacco display, a ban on tobacco vending machines, and the introduction of plain packaging on tobacco products (see HERE).
I'm sure this is the tip of the iceberg. Like many of his colleagues, Bercow has forgotten that politicians are there to serve the people, not to boss us around or denormalise our perfectly legitimate everyday habits.
With this in mind - and given his roguish charm and boundless energy - Farage would be a refreshing change. If he was standing as an independent he would walk the election, I'm sure. The problem is he's not and I'm not sure that a sufficient number of Tories will desert Bercow in favour of UKIP.
And then there's Labour. Having taken the trouble to vote Bercow into the Speaker's chair against the wishes of his own party, Labour will be loathe to see him lose his seat. In the absence of a Labour candidate, I suspect they will want their supporters to vote for Bercow to make sure he is returned. (Of course, very few Labour voters are as devious as their elected representatives so they might vote for Farage just to get rid of the "Conservative"!)
If I was Farage I would keep UKIP in the background (difficult, I know, when you're the leader of the party!) and turn this into a personal duel, pistols at dawn.
In the blue corner, representing freedom of choice and individual liberty: Nigel 'The Liberator' Farage. In the red corner, representing Big Government and the bully state: John 'The Hit Man' Bercow.
Now, who would you vote for?
Above: Nigel Farage at the launch of the Save Our Pubs and Clubs campaign in June. He also features in THIS Forest video recorded at Boisdale last year.
PS. Even if this is nothing more than a publicity stunt it's a bloody good one. Hats off to Farage!
Simon Clark
Nigel Farage quits as UKIP leader. Well, that's a surprise. I wonder if he took to heart my comment about distancing himself from UKIP!!
Reader Comments (35)
Liberty always for me
No question: I would vote for Farage. Simon, you've been a bit under the cosh from your posters (if that's the right word) but I would vote for Farage not because I am 'Libertarian leaning' but because I believe in Freedom. What is the alternative to 'Libertarian leaning'? Is it 'authoritarian leaning'? Are we simply to comply with the view from left or right that the man in Whitehall or the man in the Eton Prefects' Room (whatever it is called at the latter institution) knows best? I suspect that Parliament's checks and balances which have protected Freedom have been eviscerated under the Labour Protectorate. If Parliament is a hollow creature I do not suggest that John Bercow is likewise but I do suggest that the convention which allows the Speaker's automatic re-election is null and void. Perhaps in choosing Nigel Farage the people of Buckingham would be electing a man of substance rather than perpetuating the empty shell of our so-called democracy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Forest video, it was very professional...and the comments were eloquent and concise.
Who were the two ladies standing together in the video.
Hmm, that's a pretty massive shift in Con vote he'd need. Bold move though, suiting his style, and it'll probably reap the benefits in profile for Farage and UKIP if not bums in Westminster seats.
Ah - some good news, for a change.
Be interesting to see how the Media plays it.
The Very Best of British to you, anyway, Nigel !
It's someone right leaning in parliament to ask awkward questions (For our side) at the very least.
As a smoker who lives in Scotland, I have got no problem with the ban up here. I have never imposed my habit on my other half or my kids in our house or car, and years ago was renowned for refusing to smoke in friends non smoking homes despite being offered an ashtray. So I don't really have any problems with an MP who voted for the ban.
The PLP allowed Blair to take us into two major wars, there are bigger battles to fight out there. And Farage, cheeky chappy that he is, represents the other side of the lefties PC code with bells.
We have got a Labour government that is a complete disaster to kick out of power. Farage is just grandstanding in this stunt, and against the wrong opponent. Who brought in the smoking ban in England??
I don't know why people are getting so hyped up about Farage standing. GET REAL! He has no chance whatsoever. At best, he might get enough votes to show that the electorate are unhappy.
It's just a publicity stunt.
Chris - you may have no problem with the ban but there are millions of others who do - not because they like smoking but because they prefer to make their own choices about how and where to socialise.
Like you, I'm also renowned for not smoking at a non-smoking cousin's house even though an ashtray was provided and my cousin - an Italian - was rather offended that I didn't take up his hospitality. He didn't understand the anti-smoking nature of Britain's culture that makes smokers feel like lepers.
ASH brought in the smoking ban - an unelected, part- publically funded quango - after it hoodwinked those naive health obsessed NuLab politicians. I haven't forgotten who excluded me from society and I'm sure many others haven't either - hence , in my view, one of the main reasons that NuLab will be annihilated at the next election!
ChrisD -
You ask:
"Who brought in the smoking ban in England??"
Freedom-denying cretins from ALL political parties.
That said, there are only REALLY two 'parties' that matter:
The one that believes in Freedom (and Humanity) - at all costs.
The one that doesn't.
The current system of ancient tribal loyalties is obsolescent. By voting for ANY of the three major party labels, you are - in effect - merely voting for one.
The General Election is ITSELF nothing more than a 'publicity stunt'.
Whichever shepherd is chosen, we'll still be driven like sheep.
And, incidentally, whichever one IS elected, the needless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue: the New Political Class 'represents' nothing but ITSELF - and ITS cynical World View. The 'freedom' of Iraqi children not to have their legs blown off will NOT be on the agenda.
Much better, anyway, to 'protect' British 'kids' from their smoking parents.
THAT is the reality. To believe otherwise, I fear, is to engage in a nostalgic fantasy that endangers us all.
I'd vote for Nigel.
Well said Martin V.
I'm not as wildly happy about Farage's decision as some of the other posters. This is because there are quite a few prohibitionists in UKIP's ranks and without Farage's leadership they might take control of the party's policies which would be bad news for smokers.
ChrisD. How do you feel about the drinking restrictions in Scotland? Alcohol Concern are no different to ASH. Same messages and mainly financed by us, the taxpayer.
There are no small freedoms ChrisD.
It always amazes me when an 'apparent' smoker has 'no problem' with one of the biggest lies ever to be put upon the public / the world, and 'no problem' with a brainwashed MP who voted for the ban. You need educating fast, or meybe you're comfortable in your ignorance.
I have had the privilege of meeting Nigel a number of times, the latest last Friday. He is always engaging, smoking and drinking, often similtaneously! Also when you ask him a straight question on UKIP and their policies, you always get a straight answer.
I really wish himn the best of luck in the general election.
That was a good point about Nigel distancing himself from the UKIP label. I recently voted UKIP, but I think that the Farage v Bercow match needs a well thought out battle plan. I would say that there is a good chance that Farage could repeat the 'man in a white suit' performance, (Martin Bell v Neil Hamilton in Knutsford). Bell won, but he was an independant.
distancing himself from UKIP
He's standing down because he's got too much to do as an MEP trying to run a UK party. That's not 'distancing himself'.
Bercow voted for the smoking ban, so he automatically wouldn't get my vote.
I don't know why people are getting so hyped up about Farage standing. GET REAL! He has no chance whatsoever.
I don't know about that. Farage is a figure who has gained national recognition as leader of an up-and-coming party. Who's heard of Bercow? And with Labour and LibDems out of the race, he'd have a straight run to the post. So maybe he could do it.
If he lost, would he hold onto his UKIP MEP seat?
Let doubts not creep in. Read Dave Atherton's comment above and bear in mind that Dave is an active Tory supporter. Nigel has NOT distanced himself from UKIP, he simply cannot do three jobs at once. He will remain as their spokesman and remain as an active voice within their policy making. They will NOT suddenly become prohibitionist, which would be the antithesis of all they have always stood for. The new UK leadership will come from within their established ranks.
As for his match against Bercow, quite simply -he will win. The honesty and integrity of the man shines through every time he speaks and his deeds match his words. Which of our present elected parliamentarians will put as much personal time and effort into fighting for the “No to the Lisbon Treaty” vote in Ireland? He is already doing this, in addition to his other duties as leader of the UKIP MEPs and their coalition with like-minded MEPs from all over Europe. Now he must also mount a successful campaign against Bercow within the constraints of a hostile media.
The British people are not as stupid as the EU puppets at Westminster hope; in spite of the fact that parliament controls our media and dirty tricks abound. Recent elections have overwhelmingly shown that there will be quite a few UKIP MPs joining Nigel in parliament. THEN, at last, we will be on the way back to true democracy in our sorely wounded United Kingdom.
Margot -
I agree with everything you say about Nigel.
But - as I suggested in my post above - he has ONE problem:
How to get his message across to the Electorate - unadulterated and unspun by the sneering dismissiveness of the Media lefties (a more conformist bunch of cleverdicks you won't find anywhere).
I can hear Jon Snow's off-camera titters even now.............
Thanks, Martin. Churchill, too, was a lone outsider and fought "the establishment" for many years before his voice could be heard. Farage is our man of the hour, as Churchill was.
I believe that the British people are not stupid. It was THEIR voice that was heard in the recent elections in spite of adverse media and politician dirty tricks. Turnout was low and the vote count suspect but UKIP still came through with flying colours. .
People recognise the lying politic-speak of our parliamentarians and say it is not worth voting as all parties are the same.
We are at war now, a war as deadly as the last two.
All we have are thousands of sincere people like myself out on the streets. We will persuade the hopeless that all is not lost and their vote counts now as never before. They will realise that we are paying £45 million per day to the EU, in return for the shambles in which we live. They will revolt against the feather-bedding of our politicans and bankers. They will understand that the needless loss of life taking place every week in Afghanistan is of no benefit to us.
We UKIP supporters will put the effort in and walk the streets. Our voice is all we have.
Margot -
Once again, amen.
Thank God I'm not the only one (a familiar vanity, I'm sure) to recognise that we are - as you say - at war.
In one sense, our parents and grandparents had it easy: the Enemy was readily identifiable - and Out There.
In addition, their powers of perception had not yet been dulled by a diet of Junk Food, Junk Television, and Junk Education.
William (Bill) Cooper, the late American 'conspiracy theorist' (it ain't a 'theory' any more, folks) once said to an audience at Lansing, Virginia:
"You're LOSING the War."
He also remarked, rather more pointedly, of the machinations of our Masters - and the apparent indifference of the People:
"There's a method in THEIR madness.
There's absolutely NONE in YOURS."
I thought that was rather good...........
We are not losing the war.
I was at the UKIP Conference - very enjoyable and fine speeches indeed. Not broadcast on the MSM for obvious reasons!
The 'Yes' vote for the Lisbon Treaty has now thankfully fallen below 50% (thanks to UKIP getting involved).
The delegates also unanimously voted out smoke-free quangos such as ASH.
Lobby all MPs of any party for the same. It's the way forward. UKIP is gathering huge steam, and rightly so.
I wonder if posters would be interested to know this.
There is a Bill before Parliament at the moment amending the Health Act, to be debated after the recess, which contains regulations about the display of tobacco products.
What I think that posters may be interested to know is that this Bill does not contain any proposals to MAKE THE SMOKING BAN WORSE.
I personally was concerned that a amendment to be Health Bill might be introduced to limit our freedom further. At the moment, we must be thankful that this is not the case.
Most people who post may well be aware of this fact. This post is for those who do not.
Of course, the NuLab gov might change its mind at the last moment in the same way that it did with its manifesto.
Any PET (Person who Enjoys Tobacco) who believed the Labour manifesto who fails to remember this betrayal wants his head examining!
"Not broadcast on the MSM for obvious reasons!"
Quite, David................and THAT'S what worries me (and then makes me reach for my revolver).
Good news about the conference, though.
God bless 'em all !
PS:
Bill Cooper wasn't talking about any smoking ban, of course. There wasn't really one in the States back in the late Eighties. And, since he was shot dead by America's finest four days after '9/11', he didn't have the chance to develop a position on that particular aspect of
Modern Life. But I think I know what he WOULD have said.........
And maybe - just maybe - people ARE waking up at last. Now, it's all a question of numbers.
Martin.
You're right, of course, there wasn't a smoking ban in the late eighties. However the war against tobacco by the pharmaceutical companies was well under way by then. I can remember when it started during the late sixties. They began their self-funded and much publicised "research" into the dangers of smoking.
Apart from obvious commercial reasons, it does make me wonder why that era was chosen.
There was a lovely nostalgic programme about the Beatles on TV most of last night. They all looked so young, happy and healthy. All puffing away like mad and giving due deference to nobody. Their thousands of adoring fans also looked happy, healthy and wholesome. Such a contrast to the poor miserable downtrodden teenagers of today. The Beatles era was the the start of the social revolution against the establishment. It was a time of such great happiness and hope.
Could the two be linked?
Margot -
Saw it, too.
For me, it was a brief trip (in the non-LSD--related sense) back to Paradise !
Of course people - especially teenagers - WERE happier then: the Fear Industry was still in its infancy.
But what a Fine Young Monster it's grown into.
Now, it seems, youngsters are conditioned to be AFRAID - almost from the cradle - of so MANY things: date rape, stranger danger, obesity, food safety, paedophilia, parental abuse, Global Warming (sorry - 'Climate Change'), herpes, AIDS, smoking, the expensiveness of useless 'degrees', job insecurity, transgression of the PC Code..........the list goes on and on and on.............
I disdain to mention the arcane oppressiveness of Grammar and Punctuation - still being taught in some schools, apparently (though the evidence is scanty).
Still, they DO have the compensating distractions of Beyoncé, rap music, and 'The Tudors'........not to mention a Smoke-Free World.
As well as the imminent enthronement of King David.
What bliss !
God bless Nigel Farage for his support to the No side on Lisbon.
I've just seen him once on tv when he was making a stand against the smoking ban and he came across as a refreshingly normal man who enjoys and drink and a smoke, not a bit like the rest of those false sounding PC politicians watching every word they say and who end up saying nothing.
I hope he does well in the elections.
Maybe he will be our new Churchill!
Having just come back from the UKIP conference - which voted 90% in favour of abolishing the hugely expensive drain on public funds - the smoke-free quango - I'm really impressed.
There I found all who have been excluded, disenfranchised, disillusioned and betrayed by their traditional parties. Members of UKIP come from across the class spectrum - from ordinary housewives, to leaping lords, including Thatcher's entrepreneurial business people, and the old working class.
UKIP is a party uniting everyone who feels excluded from the political and democratic process. There is no point in being a turkey and voting for Xmas - UKIP is the ONLY party that cares. Get wise. None of the other three care about smokers, choice or democracy. We can make a difference if we stand together behind UKIP which will stand enough candidates in the next general election to make a difference. UKIP supports you - will you be brave enough to support UKIP? It really is that simple!
Pat -
Interesting post - thanks !
There seem to be strong parallels between UKIP and the 'Ron Paul' Republicans (who reflect the same social and political mix you report at UKIP's bash) in the States.
Little Acorns ?
More of a social revolution, I think!
A social revolution indeed Pat - I agree and by goodness, we certainly need one.
They've attracted citizens from every spectrum of our society with one thing in common - freedom, independence and democracy.
I'm brave enough to support them and leave the tories behind. My family and I want our lives and our country back.
Let's face it, if the Tories get in, there will be no change to the smoking ban unless the centre right-wing PPCs get their way. I doubt that though - look how Chloe Smith changed her tune once she took her seat.
We've been given an early warning of how the PPCs will 'change' when in office by this young lady. Once bitten, twice shy, is my honest opinion.
Good for you, David !
Martin V,
That reminds me. I suddenly lapsed into senility when reading your earlier post. Who on earth is King David?
Returning to topic, I met two separate people today who said they would have voted for UKIP but now that the excellent Nigel Farage has resigned as leader they probably won't. They feel there must be something very wrong with the party for Nigel Farage to leave it because he "prefers to stand as Speaker".
Seems the EU controlled media are already doing a grand hatchet job!
I put them right, of course, saying he is as strong as ever in the party and remains as their spokesman in addition to leading our team of UKIP MEPs and their Freedom group of MEPs from other European countries. AND in additon to fighting for the "No to Lisbon Treaty" Referendum in Ireland.
He simply just cannot do three jobs at once.
He is already back in Ireland fighting for the No to Lisbon Treaty referendum. Which politicians from our three main parties are doing the same?
The two men went on their way; very relieved and pleased that Nigel is going to be UKIP candidate against such a prominent Tory in the coming General Election. "Farage will wipe the floor with him," said one.
Margot - "Farage will wipe the floor with him," said one.
I blooming hope so. We need a 'Farage' in Westminster. He is one hard-working and dedicated man, yet is still fit enough to know how to enjoy himself like the ordinary people.
God Bless him.