Ex-MP Hamilton steps into row over solar park

POLITICIAN turned star of stage and screen Neil Hamilton made a surprise appearance at a meeting of Wiltshire Council's cabinet as the authority discussed its opposition to the massive Lime Down Solar Park that could surround his home.

- PETER DAVISON Local Democracy Reporter

> Former MP and Wiltshire resident Neil Hamilton at Wiltshire Council's meeting on Tuesday; below, Stop Lime Down campaigners in London last year

The former Tory shot to wider fame when he lost his parliamentary seat amid a political scandal.

After an appearance on Have I Got News for You a week after losing the Tatton constituency, he went on to appear in a documentary with his wife Christine hosted by Louis Theroux.

The couple have since appeared in pantomimes and programmes such as The Weakest Link, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and Ready Steady Cook.

He was also deputy chairman of Ukip.

But it was a very serious Mr Hamilton who addressed Wiltshire Council’s Liberal Democrat-led cabinet on Tuesday.

It happens to be the land owned by those who have been persuaded to line their own pockets

NEIL HAMILTON

He told how 180 acres of solar panels “the height of a double decker bus” would envelope the 700-year-old grade I-listed Bradfield Manor, near Hullavington, where he and his wife have lived for 21 years.

“This is an area of very significant historic importance and should be protected,” he said.