Neil Parish, a former UK Member of Parliament who resigned in April after admitting to watching pornography in the Commons, has expressed interest in standing again at the next general election. In a candid interview, Parish stated that he has “unfinished business” in Westminster and is thinking of offering himself as a Conservative Party candidate once more. The former Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee chairman resigned from his Tiverton and Honiton seat after admitting that he viewed adult content while on the green benches, claiming that it was an accidental viewing of an explicit video while searching for tractors, followed by deliberate viewing in the chamber.
Parish’s resignation came after other MPs spotted him watching X-rated material in Parliament, and he acknowledged feeling “great regret” over the circumstances of his departure. He described his resignation as a “terrible mistake” and expressed shame, stating that people who committed similar errors would be viewed as a “sleazeball”. However, Parish emphasized that he has since moved on, reflecting on his resignation and dwelling on it.
Despite his previous resignation, Parish is considering standing again, specifically in the new-look seat of Tiverton and Minehead, which comes close to his farm. He would “very much consider” standing there at the next general election, which is due to take place before 2025. When asked if he would look to stand as a Tory, Parish stated that he would offer his services to the party, but it ultimately depends on whether the party would accept him. He also mentioned the possibility of running as an Independent, citing a desire to have a shot as an Independent in the next election, particularly if people are looking for something different from the established political parties.
Neil Parish (Via Neil Parish/Twitter)
Parish’s desire to re-enter politics comes despite the Conservative Party’s loss of his former constituency to the Liberal Democrats in a June by-election, which saw a 38-point vote swing in favor of the Liberal Democrats. The seat was overturned, with the Liberal Democrats taking control with a majority of over 24,000 votes.
In his interview, Parish acknowledged the difficulty of leaving politics suddenly and the importance of addressing “unfinished business”. He expressed a desire to remain in politics due to the passion and fulfillment he derives from it, stating that politics is an important aspect of his life. Parish’s candid interview highlights his introspection on his resignation and his desire to re-enter politics, despite the negative publicity surrounding his departure. The outcome of his potential re-entry bid remains uncertain, as he navigates the complex and often sensitive nature of political career rehabilitation.
