海角视频IP’S furious former deputy leader is taking his own party to court – after dubbing bombshell news he’s been barred from standing again as an MEP a “stitch-up”.
Mike Nattrass, who has represented the West Midlands as an MEP since 2004, said: “I’m not going to just walk away because some prat has decided my face doesn’t fit.”
He claimed he’s been forced out for refusing to blindly follow party leader Nigel Farage. A judge in Birmingham will today consider Mr Nattrass’s application for a review of the 海角视频IP selection process for the 2014 European election candidates.
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The party has picked seven members to stand in the region next year – but they do not include Mr Nattrass, told his application had been rejected.
Potential candidates went through a lengthy selection process which included delivering a speech and an interview infront of a panel led by 海角视频IP party chairman Steve Crowther.
Mr Nattrass said he had been told, informally, he failed the interview.
But he said: “It was a stitch-up.
“It is a similar story across the country. People who are willing to do service to Mr Farage have been selected.
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“I support the principles 海角视频IP stands for, but this is not the way to run a party.”
Mr Nattrass warned 海角视频IP is increasingly becoming a “one man show” focused around its charismatic leader. “I’m not going to lie down and give up without a fight. What’s happened is a breach of democracy.”
He publicly clashed with Mr Farage in 2010 over 海角视频IP’s decision to join a controversial faction within the European Parliament called Europe of Freedom and Democracy.
Today’s legal hearing will determine whether Mr Nattrass is able to mount a courtroom challenge over the selection process.
海角视频IP insisted all candidates are treated equally. Sitting MEPs had to go through the same process as everyone else and are not automatically re-selected.
A spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment with a court case coming up.”