A BOLTON MP has had his say on his former Conservative colleague’s defection to the Labour Party

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, caused a stir in Westminster last week, first by publicising his vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, before announcing, just before Prime Minister’s Questions, that he was switching allegiance and representing Labour.

Now Bolton West MP Chris Green has weighed in with his take on the move.

He told The Bolton News: “Other than people now having a political party represent them that they didn’t expect and not what they voted for, in many ways it doesn’t affect the constituents in Bury because most activity of members of parliament isn’t party political.

“In terms of raising concerns with the Department for Work and Pensions or the local authority or the Home Office, those things can be done just as easily now as they could before, but obviously Government is going to be a little bit more sympathetic to someone of their own political party and perhaps his voice has been diminished.”

Mr Wakeford previously voted in favour of a bill for MPs who switch parties to be subject to a by-election, which he has stated since defecting will not be happening.

“People don’t like the question of defections,” Mr Green said. “I’m not ideologically opposed to it but Christian Wakeford in principle, and according to his values, said if you defect you must have a by-election. That’s his values and he’s not having a by-election, so he’s not living up to his own values,” he added.

Whether or not the Bury South MP’s move will be a catalyst for any change in Government remains to be seen, but Mr Green is somewhat sceptical: “I think Christian Wakeford’s move is of the barest consequence at all.

“In a couple of days’ time most people around the country will forget this has ever happened and will certainly forget his name.

He added: “Fundamentally I am here to represent all of my constituents, whoever they voted and whether or not they actually voted at all, and I’m sure he will do the same.”