Hello again Paul

POSTED: Wednesday 6 April, 1100BST

So retiring Lib Dem MP Paul Marsden is applying to rejoin Labour, three-and-a-half years after leaving Labour to join the Lib Dems.

At the time of his original defection in 2001, the forerunner to this weblog reported:
So farewell then Paul. Few people know who you are but you may yet become an icon. "The MP who wouldn't be spun or bullied" they may say. And you got your 15 minutes of fame. Can't help feeling it might end there though.

So it didn't quite turn out as expected. But how long will this second helping of 15 minutes last?

Your comments

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Don't know if Alan from London realises this but Churchill was being self deprecatory, following his sojourn with the Liberals. Does this mean Paul Marsden is a PM in waiting?
Nigel, Madrid

The exact Churchill "rat" quote is: "Anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat". Don't really think Paul Marsden's quite in the same league though.
Floater, UK

I'm amused that he is rejoining Labour when his own personal website is full of quotes criticising Labour. I don't think the Lib Dems will miss him and I doubt Labour would have him back !
Nick, Norfolk, UK

"Anyone can rat - it takes a real expert to rat twice!" Winston Churchill on doing precisely what Paul Marsden has done.
Alan, London UK

This return of the 'prodigal candidate' isn't much of a boost for Labour and may serve only to remind people of the reasons he left the party the first time. His explanation on Radio 4 this morning consisted of a flat recitation of a prepared statement about Labour's campaign manifesto and virtually nothing about why he came back, suggesting less a change of heart than an act of desperation. I foresee an own goal for Labour and a downward career spiral for Mr Marsden.
John Russell, South London

well what a surprise that marsden has raised his head above the parapit again.. He has done precious little whilst serving the people of shrewsbury so heres hoping Tony Blair tells him where to get off... The river Seven would be a good starting place
Ray Sant, shrewsbury