Tory Lawmaker Carswell Defects to UKIP in Blow to Cameron

British Prime Minister David Cameron suffered a blow from within his own ranks as a lawmaker from his Conservative Party announced that he’s defected to the U.K. Independence Party, forcing a special election.

Douglas Carswell, who represents Clacton in Essex, to the east of London, told a news conference in the capital today with UKIP leader Nigel Farage that his decision was sparked by the fact that “many at the top of the Conservative Party simply aren’t on our side.” He will now seek the approval of voters in his district to become UKIP’s first elected member of the House of Commons.