Finding favour

THE Newark MP, Mr Patrick Mercer, is no stranger to controversy. He made the national headlines again at the weekend when comments he allegedly made at a party in London were reported by Sunday newspapers.

Mr Mercer denies bad-mouthing the Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron.

He could have faced expulsion from the Westminster Conservative Party, but it appears there has been little more than a slap on the wrist for the outspoken MP.

Removing the whip would have left the Coalition Government with one fewer vote to count on. That could have been significant at a time when the Government is facing some serious challenges.

Mr Mercer showed he wasn’t afraid to vote against the party line by supporting calls for a referendum on Europe.

The Government has made no comment on the alleged remarks of Mr Mercer.

It’s speculation, but perhaps Mr Cameron doesn’t want his popularity to be tested at this time.

What shouldn’t be forgotten is that Newark has serious issues of its own to deal with and needs its MP at the heart of Westminster.

The fight is on for money to rebuild schools, to secure the best possible healthcare provision for the town and surrounding area, and to maintain an adequate police force.

Although this latest political storm will blow over, it is difficult to see how Mr Mercer will have done himself any favours with the current party leadership.

However, nothing is forever in politics and if there should be changes, he may well find himself back in the fold after all this. Time will tell.