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		Could Tory leadership contest be affected By MEP's status? Thursday 23rd June 2005 The EU Reporter, a respected in-house newspaper in the European institutions, has suggested that the Conservative leadership contest could be influenced by the circumstances surrounding the recent expulsion of East Midlands Conservative MEP Roger Helmer from the EPP group in the parliament, and the suspension of the Conservative Whip. Under the headline "Expulsion Makes Rebel MEP a Local Hero", the piece suggests that Helmer's expulsion, in response to his refusal to back down in his campaign to expose cronyism in the EU Commission, may result in a backlash against leadership candidates seen as Europhile -- especially Ken Clarke, should he decide to stand, or any successor representing his views. Helmer has expressed his astonishment at the idea that what he calls his "little local difficulty" could have an impact at a national level. Nevertheless, his case has aroused considerable concern both amongst grass-roots Party members, and amongst MPs at Westminster. The EU Reporter quotes "a pro-EU MEP" as saying "The timing of Helmer's expulsion is a little unfortunate. It is bound to have an impact on the candidate we would like to see succeed Ken Clarke". See also the full article "Expulsion makes rebel MEP Helmer a local hero"