Lib Dem MEP defects to Tory Party

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Sajjad Karim, a Muslim who sits in Brussels for the North West, said Tory leader David Cameron's recent comments about immigration had persuaded him to jump ship.

He also dismissed the Lib Dems, who are currently picking their third leader in two years after Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation, as a spent force.

"Two years ago David Cameron described himself as a Liberal Conservative and that's very much how I see myself," Mr Karim said in a statement issued by the Conservatives.

"But 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."

Mr Karim expressed confidence that, with Mr Cameron and the Tories now setting the political agenda, other politicians would follow the same route.

The 37-year-old solicitor became the first Muslim MEP when he was elected in 2004. His move will swell the Tory ranks in the European Parliament to 28 MEPs while reducing the Lib Dems' to 11.