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North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale has not ruled out standing as an independent rather than as a Conservative at an election.
In an interview he said he would never join a different party but that he was “on the cusp” of considering his position.
He told KentOnline that there was no question of him defecting but he would reserve his position until the outcome of Brexit was clear.
“I shall remain a Conservative until the day I die but I am reserving my position,” he said.
He emphasized that he intended to stand at the election but that he could do so as an independent.
“Whether I stand as a Conservative which I want to is a matter for speculation.”
He said that he would wait to see what deal the government reached on Brexit.
“There is relatively little time left but I am still hopeful that between now and October 31 it may be possible to deliver a deal. If that proves not to be the case then I reserve my position. I am on the cusp of where I position myself in the party. I would never cross the floor and would not join another party. I have devoted 50 years of my life to the Conservative Party. I find it frankly appalling that people [MPs who rebelled] are being treated in the way they are. It is very very sad indeed...it is appalling that we find ourselves in this position.”
He said he was also concerned about Boris Johnson's key aide Dominic Cummings saying that he was out of control and should be sacked.
Sir Roger is one of the longest standing MPs in the county having been elected in 1983.
He backed Jeremy Hunt in the leadership campaign.
Sir Roger Gale addresses the House
