[Gayle]

Switching parties as a voter is quite common - the 'floating' vote is what most people count on to get elected. Traditionally women are 'floating' voters who vote for whoever they think is the right person at the right time regardless of party.

So, although I don't know what went on at the meet on Friday night, and reading between the lines a little, I'm guessing that Blazey was lambasted by some members from switching from Conservative to Labour.

If that's the case then i think that elected members in opposition have to remember that if they want to win then they need to win over anyone who is likely to switch allegiance. Blazey seems to me the ideal 'voter'.

However, if we're talking about elected members who switch party half way through their term then I'm sorry but i don't like that. If someone wishes to leave a party on principle then they shouldn't walk across the house. Many people vote based on the party itself and not the individual so you are doing the people who voted for you a diservice by switching. By all means switch party but resign from your elected post and have a bye-election first.