UK political defections are a rarity in British politics. When they occur, the winning party likes to exact maximum political capital for their prize. Douglas Carswell and Mark Reckless both ex Tory MP’s recently defected to UKIP whom David Cameron famously described as a party of ‘fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists’. Amjad Peter Bashir was the first Asian MEP to represent UKIP. A successful Pakistan born Bradford businessman, Bashir is currently at the centre of a political storm involving three political parties, the Conservatives, UKIP and the Respect Party. Bashir it seems has a love of changing political ship with several parties in the past, including working with the Labour party. His defection from UKIP to the Conservative Party which has welcomed him with open arms, including having a photo shoot with Prime Minister, David Cameron,  may not produce the dividend returns expected. 

Serial defectors with a Walter Mitty type complex rarely turn out to be reliable political bedfellows.  David Cameron’s desire to get one up on Nigel Farage who has thwarted the political establishment at every turn may live to regret the gesture politics, for which he is famous.  David Cameron spoke in glowing terms of how Bashir coming from a Muslim Pakistani background had an “inspiring success” tale to tell.  Mr. Cameron further added that "It's another sign that in this great country of ours you can come to Britain without very much and you can be a member of the European Parliament, an MP, or sit in the Cabinet."

No sooner than having left UKIP,  Bashir was quick to pile on the misery with political insults coming thick and fast.  One centered on branding  UKIP   a "vanity project" for its leader Nigel Farage, who runs it "like a dictator". The second damaging comment centred on the racism which Bashir said he experienced within the party. Bashir claims he was racially abused by UKIP members who repeatedly asked him if he was a Muslim. Bashir also claims to have been outraged by Farage’s reference to talk of a 'fifth column' of immigrants in Britain.  Deeply wounded by such comments Bashir offered his own rebuttal stating that: I have worked hard all my life, and when my father came to this country he worked his socks off to provide for his family. It is an insult for him to talk in this way." He also condemned Farage’s comments in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attack.

The Bashir political saga takes on a twist as no sooner had Bashir settled himself under the Conservative political blanket; UKIP emerged with their own damaging political charges against Bashir.  Farage announced shortly after the defection headlines that UKIP had suspended Bashir for '"extremely serious issues relating to finance and employment.” Crucially UKIP added this information would be passed to the police. The financial allegations centered on misuse of expenses relating to the EFD group in the EU parliament. The second set of allegations concerning employment centre on a report in The Times newspaper where it was alleged that Bashir’s restaurant employed seven illegal immigrants. Bashir subsequently resigned as director of the company three days before the story went to print. Finally there was also concern within the party of Bashir’s meetings with Pakistan’s MQM exiled leader, Altaf Hussain, who was questioned by the police on suspicion of money laundering, which was reported by the BBC and Guardian news.

UKIP party sources confirmed that Bashir had known for some time he was under investigations.  As well as financial  and employment impropriety UKIP  cited interference with UKIP candidate selection and  continued affiliation with Mujeeb Bhutto,  who had resigned from UKIP after it emerged he had served prison time for being a member of a Pakistani kidnapping gang. Both David Cameron and Bashir have dismissed the allegations as being without foundation and representing a desperate attempt to spoil the party.

There is more controversy to come as it is revealed by several UK newspapers that Bashir also had links with George Galloway’s Respect party. Indeed Bashir is accused of lying about his links with the Respect Party which he attempted to join in 2012. George Galloway has provided documentary evidence to prove that Bashir was a member citing an application form filled in to join the party.  Bashir also gave details on the form of how he canvassed for the Labour Party when Marsha Singh was the sitting MP. Bashir further disclosed that he was heavily involved in Imran Khan’s Pakistan party, the PTI (Party of Justice) and was at the forefront of securing new members for the PTI party.  Galloway has not disclosed why Bashir was forced to leave the party but added  he was  in agreement with Nigel Farage that: “There are grave concerns about things in this guy’s past.” Galloway also stated that he had five members who were prepared to corroborate that Bashir was a member of Respect and subsequently sacked as a council candidate for Bradford Moor.  Unsurprisingly Bashir continues to deny ever having been a member of the Respect Party. Guido Fawkes a respected right wing blogger confirms the allegation about the application form. The Respect claim if proven will be of huge political embarrassment to David Cameron who told the Sunday Telegraph how he was “absolutely delighted that Amjad has decided to leave UKIP and join the Conservative Party.”

The Bashir saga raises important judgment questions for David Cameron who may, in his desire to gloat over the UKIP defection, cause his party more political headaches in the run up to a General Election.  The flitting between four political parties suggests Bashir does not possess deep seated political principles. The naked opportunism and self interest described by Galloway may turn out to be Cameron’s undoing.  This story has more legs to run as to whether Bashir turns out to be an asset or a political liability. All will be revealed in the course of time. Judging by past political experience, mavericks with no underlying philosophical convictions, rarely last long in politics.

Tamara Taylor, Senior Correspondent, Medhaj News. London