Patrick Moore - great scientist, lousy politician

With the death of Patrick Moore Britain has lost one of its great eccentrics and a man who popularised astronomy - presenting The Sky at Night for more than 50 years.

What was less well known was Moore's dabbling in right wing politics.  In the 1970s he co-founded the anti immigration United Country Party, which later merged with the New Britain Party. 

The New Britain Party supported apartheid and called for a complete ban on non-white immigration.  They stood in the Bermondsey by-election in 1983 coming eighth with just 62 votes.  And following the winding up of  Jimmy Goldsmith's referendum party several current leading lights in UKIP joined - including MEPs Mike Nattrass and Jeffery Titford.

The party folded in 2008.

When Goldsmith tried to buy the election...

Stephen Tall on Lib Dem Voice has a lot to answer for. As a result of him posting footage of the 1997 general election coverage I have wasted rather more of my bank holiday weekend than I should have.

As I was involved at a count until 4am I didn't get to see it at the time, so although much of it is familiar there are some bits worth seeing again. Here's where a rather cross David Mellor who had been ungraciously heckled by Goldsmith senior during his acceptance (of defeat) speech - gives the old goat both barrels.