ASIAN LIB DEM MEP DEFECTS TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY
(26 November 2007)

Sajjad Karim, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West of England is to join the Conservative Party. Mr Karim, 37, was the first Muslim elected to the European Parliament in 2004. He is a solicitor and former member of Pendle Council. He lives in the North West with his wife Zahida and two children.

Mr Karim said: "Two years ago David Cameron described himself as a Liberal Conservative and that's very much how I see myself. I needed to be convinced that he could change his party and now I am. David Cameron's recent speech on immigration was incredibly impressive - sensible, rational and positive. It persuaded me that he is a leader who has changed his party and will change this country.

"I'm afraid that the Liberal Democrats have lost their way and are no longer a serious force in politics. I'm here to serve the people of the North West and I think I can only do that now as a Conservative. I'm sure I will not be the last politician to reach the same conclusion.

"It's David Cameron and the Conservatives who are now setting the political agenda in Britain. Only the Conservatives are capable of putting right Labour's continued failure."

David Cameron said: "I am delighted to welcome Sajjad into the Conservative Party. He is a hard working MEP who has so much to offer. I look forward to working with him."