Derek Clark MEP resigns as chairman of the East Midlands Committee. ?????

It is being confidently asserted in the coffee houses of England, that Derek Clark has suddenly resigned as chairman
of the East Midlands Committee. Numerous theories are being proffered as the reason for his unexpected departure.

The most bland must be the pending vote of confidence by his committee to remove him. Others speak in moving terms about his change of heart concerning 'past happenings', The name Paul, and roads to Damascus are being heard frequently when any discussions concern the Mr Clark. 'Old things have passed away, and all has become new', he is heard mumbling between sips of his Ovaltine.

It can be safely disconnected from the defection of Roger Helmer. It is true that the East Midlands will be Helmer's first choice at the next election, but it can be accepted as near certain, Mr Clark will not be resigning his seat prematurely. More likely, speculate unofficial be usually reliable sources, it concerns a wide-ranging inquiry into UKIP's financial affairs.

Mr Clark has repaid tens of thousands of pounds to OLAF, despite constant denials that he was even under investigation, but that may now be the prelude to other matters.

His long-standing paid servant, Mr Donald Ransome, admitted under oath during his drink-driving trial, that he was in receipt of £800, per week net, for his professional endeavours.

Providing that was fully submitted for tax, he should have no worries on that account.

But Mr Clark's colleague, Stuart Agnew MEP admitted to a friend, who just happened to be a Sunday Times reporter, that he (Mr Agnew) was making unlawful claims to OLAF to pay UKIP staff. To give the story more credibility, he said that David Campbell Bannerman MEP was doing likewise.

It does make one wonder where UKIP find our representatives. However, as the defunct 'News of the World' used to say 'All human life is here'.

Where does Mr Clark fit in to these changing circumstances? According to leading personalities in the coffee houses, Mr Clark was Party Secretary when the Ashord call centre was established, and he is a mine of information.

With papers relating to previous UKIP cases being, re-visited, and other matters in the Midlands the subject of Police inquiries, Mr Clark may need little persuading where his civic duty and personal interests coincide.

I can confidently assure you that the substance of this posting is correct. But these are fast moving times, and a few yet unmentioned events may assume greater importance in the fullness of time.