Nigel might be very surprised to learn that I agree with the principle proposed in the Manchester Evening News article that, when an MP ‘crosses the floor’ and changes his/her party-affiliation, there should be a by-election in their constituency. For the past fifty years or more, the inclusion of party-affiliation on election polling slips has meant that votes are probably cast less on the basis of the individual, and far more on the basis of the party under whose banner they are standing for election. It seems to me to be only fair that, having elected the candidate of a specific party to serve for a full term, constituents should be given the opportunity to vote again if the elected Member decides to transfer to a different side.