Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has been caught on camera apparently asleep in the House of Commons. As other MPs listened to the debate he seemed to be peacefully dozing – oblivious to what was going on around him and to events back in his constituency.
As he slept, voters back home were absorbing the news that local Conservatives are prepared to lose a safe seat to get rid of him. The West Somerset Conservative leader, told local newspapers: “I’d like someone who will represent West Somerset, regardless of their party label, even if it means the MP is from another party for the next five years.”
“Anyone must be better than you”
The County Gazette summed it up with the front page headline: “Anyone must be better than you. Conservative MP faces ultimate betrayal as election looms.”
Tim Taylor was speaking before the latest evidence that Liddell-Grainger fails to represent the constituency properly. What started out as a series of local and limited arguments has been turned, by Liddell-Grainger’s rude and spiteful behaviour into a real crisis for him. As he slumbered on the green benches, perhaps he was dreaming of holding his seat in May. He could in for a rude awakening.