David Cameron, before Michael Gove announced that his brand of liberal Conservatism was not for turning, has been heard saying that the way in which to look at the Eastleigh by-election results is as a protest vote. With this much he is right, but perhaps not in the way he imagines.

Firstly it should be said that, in spite of Gove’s words, the party is turning, probably in reaction to the rise if Ukip. Noting the emerging support for the anti-EU party it was no surprise that Maria Hutchings, herself against the EU and with a raft of other right wing boxes ticked such as opposition to gay marriage and past bigotry on asylum and immigration, was chosen to run. Continue reading →