The Social Democratic Party – a campaign group or a political force?

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) appears to be enjoying a little bit of a resurgence.  William Clouston, its leader, has been invited on GBNews programmes, and, according to Twitter, the Party is attracting new members.  Furthermore, the SDP’s last annual conference in London had some high profile speakers among whom were David Starkey, Claire Fox, Patrick O’Flynn and Rod Little.

I would describe the Party as socially conservative, centre left on economics, and patriotic, with a right wing approach to immigration.  It’s the closest thing there is to a British Gaullist Party and its policies are those which I can support, especially that which proposes an English Parliament sitting somewhere other than London.  This last policy convinced me to become a member rather than just a sympathiser.

However, having responded to various emails I received from the SDP’s regional and county officials/co-ordinators asking for candidates in local elections I have not received an acknowledgement, let alone a reply, which is somewhat disappointing. I write this in sorrow rather than in anger.

After such an apparently unenthusiastic response one has to wonder if the Social Democratic Party is serious about re-establishing itself as an electoral force; or does it intend to be of influence as a campaign group with the impressive and personable William Clouston as its public face? 

Time will tell, but I wish them well!