Labour’s decision to shy away from an EU referendum has cost it a senior figure. The Telegraph reveals that Harriet Yeo, the former chairman of Labour’s National Executive Committee between 2012 and 2013, has quit the party over Ed Miliband’s refusal to offer a referendum. Although she hasn’t joined Ukip, she will be lending her support to the party at the next election.
Nigel Farage is naturally pleased with the news. In a statement this afternoon, he said:
‘A life long Trade Unionist and Labour Party member who served as Chair of Ed Miliband’s NEC she is yet another voice calling for Britain to have a choice about its future. We are welcoming support from across the board and Harriet’s support is evidence of this.’
Yeo’s defection might not be as straight forward as Farage has painted. According to LabourList, she was removed as leader of the Labour group on Ashford Council last week.
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