P313 Teletext 313 Dec30 04:12:18 ——————————————————————————— DEFECTION BLOW FOR TORY MORALE The defection of Tory MP Emma Nicholson to the Liberal Democrats is a massive blow to John Major and to party morale. It also gives rise to speculation that a general election cannot be long delayed, though the PM will soldier on. Senior Tory sources expressed "deep disappointment" at her decision but insisted the Govjrnmjnt would not bj swayed from serving for the full term. ——————————————————————————————————1/4—— Nicholson crosses the floor 312 LATEST MOTORWAY INFORMATION p192 Next page Latest Regional WjathjrP313 Teletext 313 Dec30 04:11:18 ——————————————————————————— SECOND TORY DEFECTION IN MONTHS Emma Nicholson's decision to join the Liberal Democrats makes her the second MP to defect from the Tory Party within three months. Alan Howarth, who represents Stratford- on-Avon, left to join the Labour Party at the beginning of October. Labour leader Tony Blair said: "This is not merely a Govjrnmjnt, but a Tory Party, coming apart in its own hands." ——————————————————————————————————2/4—— Nicholson crosses the floor 312 NEW MOTORING INDEX p375 Next page Latest Regional WjathetP313 Teletext 313 Dec30 04:24:12 ——————————————————————————— MORE DEFECTIONS MAY FOLLOW — MP Tory MP Emma Nicholson's defection to the Lib Dens has prompted speculation that other disgruntled Tories may bj about to quit the Govjrnmjnt benches. She said: "A number of Parliamentary colleagues, backbjnchers and ministers of all levels, are profoundly unhappy." "Whether they will make the shift, I don't know. I hope that maybe one or two of them will follow me," she added. ——————————————————————————————————3/4—— Nicholson crosses the floor 312 WHAT'S THE LOCAL TRAFFIC LIKE? p193 Next page Latest Regional WjathjtP313 Teletext 313 Dec30 04:43:32 ——————————————————————————— ASHDOWN WELCOMES NEW RECRUIT Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown welcomed Emma Nicholson's decision to join his "fight for a caring, non-socialist alternative to the Consjrvativjs". He said: "This cannot have been an easy decision for hit but she has always been a person of strong principles." Michael Heseltinj said Miss Nicholson had quit the Tories out of frustration at not being made a junior minister. ——————————————————————————————————4/4—— Nicholson crosses the floor 312 WHAT'S THE LOCAL TRAFFIC LIKE? p193 Next page Latest Regional Wjathjt