The former Tory MP who resigned after being caught watching pornography in parliament says the public has “largely forgotten” what he did and that his resignation has not helped the party recover from its humiliating by-election loss.
Mr. Parish, who resigned after watching pornography in parliament, claims that people in Tiverton and Honiton voted against a “very unpopular prime minister” after the Liberal Democrats won his former seat by overturning a 24,000 Tory majority.
Neil Parish, whose resignation triggered the by-election in Tiverton and Honiton, told that constituents voted against a “very unpopular prime minister” who is “living in a parallel universe.”
The Conservatives lost a majority of 24,000 votes, or 40.6 percent, in the Devon seat to the Liberal Democrats, a record reverse for the party.
The Conservatives also lost the Wakefield by-election to Labour, prompting Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden to resign.
“Full credit to the Lib Dems for winning,” Mr. Parish told, “but it’s a combination of our vote dropping dramatically, people switching, people staying at home, and a very unpopular prime minister, which people have tactically voted against.”
“I feel responsible because I had to leave.” I made a very stupid and bad mistake, but I did the right thing and left.
“I thought it would help the party, but on reflection, I don’t think it has because I think a lot of people in the constituency are thinking: ‘We like Neil, we thought he was very foolish, but he did the honorable thing – what about the prime minister?’
“He (the PM) has a lot of good qualities.” The problem is that he can’t just keep living in a parallel universe; reality must exist.”
Mr. Parish believes he still has “a lot to offer,” saying, “I could beat myself up forever, but whom am I beating up?” Because the public has moved on, it’s just me.
“I believe they’ve gotten over it. They probably thought I was stupid, but they accepted my resignation, and life goes on.
“I believe we must be realistic and listen to what others have to say.”
Mr. Parish predicted that Tory MPs would be “concerned” about the by-election results.
“Politicians want to be re-elected, and they want people to make sure that happens,” he added.
Mr. Parish resigned last month after admitting in the House of Commons to watching pornography.
The 65-year-old farmer admitted to watching adult material twice in parliament, claiming the first time was unintentional after looking at tractors online, but the second was “a moment of madness.”
He had initially stated his intention to continue as MP for Tiverton and Honiton but later stated that he would resign due to the “furor” and “damage” he was causing his family and constituency.
