Some within the community may believe it would have been much wiser for Lawrence Stack to have resisted the temptation and most probably the initiative of the tribal elders of the local Labour Party in seeking a spotlight by attacking both the Conservative and UKIP parties just prior to the elections.

What many of those tempted to vote for Lawrence Stack may not be aware is that on February 27 this year, following the circulation of rumours within the community, he admitted that the local Labour Party had encouraged him to defect from UKIP with the offer of a safe town council seat in Brookmeadow ward at the elections on May 7.

The UKIP membership of Lawrence Stack expired on April 1, and eight days later, on April 9, his nomination as a Labour candidate was registered with Hertsmere Borough Council.

If there is any section of the Guinness Book of Records with reference to ‘fast-track defections’ surely this must qualify for consideration as a entry.

Frank Ward

Chairman and parliamentary candidate, Hertsmere UKIP