…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Andrew Bridgen, the independent MP for North West Leicestershire, has become the first MP for the Reclaim Party.
Bridgen was expelled from the Conservative Party after making comments that compared COVID-19 vaccinations to the Holocaust.
He has also launched legal action against former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who condemned Bridgen’s comments as anti-Semitic.
In his announcement, Bridgen stated that he had submitted a defamation claim to the High Court and that the former health secretary’s comments were an attempt to “shut down valid concerns expressed by me”.
What is the Reclaim Party?
The Reclaim Party was founded in October 2020 by actor Laurence Fox after he was “cancelled” from his acting career following an appearance on the BBC’s Question Time.
According to its website, the party exists to challenge “woke orthodoxy” and promote “freedom of speech”.
The party is associated with the culture wars and has been dubbed the “Ukip for culture”.
Reclaim has also expressed scepticism about the Covid-19 vaccine and opposed lockdowns during the pandemic.
Reclaim’s Policies
Reclaim’s main focus is on freedom of speech, which it describes as “fundamental to a free society”.
The party also promotes scepticism of net-zero policies, arguing that they “punish the poorest in society”.
The party promises to reduce the size of the state, cut taxes, and “depoliticise” national institutions like the police, the civil service, and the National Trust.
It is also critical of all things considered “woke”, attacking the concept of 15-minute cities, transgender rights, and critical race theory.
Reclaim’s Election Performance
The Reclaim Party is yet to win an election.
In the 2021 London mayoral election, Laurence Fox stood under the Reclaim banner and received 1.9% of the vote, losing his £10,000 deposit.
Martin Daubney, a former editor of Loaded magazine and Brexit Party MEP who has appeared as a host on GB News, contested the 2021 North Shropshire by-election, losing his deposit after polling 375 votes.
Analysis and Commentary
The Reclaim Party’s focus on freedom of speech and opposition to “woke orthodoxy” has struck a chord with some in the UK who feel that their views are being silenced.
However, the party’s stance on issues like climate change, transgender rights, and critical race theory has been criticised by others who view the party as promoting divisive and harmful ideas.
Andrew Bridgen’s decision to join the Reclaim Party is a sign that the party is gaining some level of support among politicians.
However, it remains to be seen whether the party can translate this support into electoral success.
The Reclaim Party represents a growing movement in the UK that is challenging the status quo and promoting controversial ideas.
While some may view this as a positive development for democracy, others may worry that it is further deepening the divides within society.
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