I'm not defecting to Ukip, insists Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard was today forced to deny he is planning to defect to Ukip.
As it was revealed that former deputy mayor of London Richard Barnes is joining Nigel Farage's party, Mr Pritchard said his "beating heart is Conservative".
Mr Pritchard said: "I've been a member of the Conservative Party for a very long time and I intend to stay in the Conservative Party.
"Yes, I'm an arch-Eurosceptic, I've been involved in most if not all of the supposedly Eurosceptic moves within the parliamentary party over the past few years and that will remain the same.
"I want us to have a referendum on Europe, and I believe the only way that can be delivered is with a Conservative government.
Listen to Mark Pritchard being interviewed on BBC Shropshire
"Labour won't deliver a referendum, the LibDems certainly won't, and with the best will in the world I don't think even Nigel Farage on a good day will say there's going to be a Ukip government."
He added: "The bookies have got me as first or second favourite this morning - but I wouldn't put money on it.
"My beating heart is Conservative. We're not perfect as a party but when I look at the alternatives, it's the party that I feel comfortable with."
Mid Bedfordshire MP Nadine Dorries has also insisted she will not be the next to defect, after Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless declared - on the eve of the Tory Party conference in Birmingham - that he was joining Ukip, despite previous assurances he had no intention of defecting.
See also:
Star comment: Economy is at heart of election
Former Johnson aide joins Ukip
You'd be nuts to join Ukip - Boris
