Lib Dems challenge Conservatives over UKIP standing down in Brighton and Hove

The Liberal Democrats have challenged the Conservative candidates in the City to disown UKIP's endorsement, after UKIP announced they would not be standing in Hove or Kemptown to give the Tories a free run.

Paul Chandler, local agent for the Lib Dem candidates in Hove and Kemptown, Carrie Hynds and Emily Tester, said: "UKIP are standing aside for the Conservatives in these two seats because they know Theresa May has adopted their divisive agenda wholesale.

"As Nigel Farage has said, Theresa May is now using the exact words and phrases he has been using for the last 20 years.

"Simon Kirby and Kristy Adams, the Tory candidates, should make it clear whether they welcome being backed by UKIP or not.

"Simon Kirby in particular was rude about the decision by the LibDems to stand down in Pavilion and of the Green Party not to stand against him in Kemptown.

"How hypocritical of him to silently accept the endorsement of UKIP. Especially as he was a Remainer until he 'saw the light' and has meekly followed his party's hard Brexit agenda ever since.

"Only the Liberal Democrats offer people a chance to express their view on the outcome of the negotiation in the form of a second referendum. The only reason that the Tories can object is because they think they would lose it!

"Steadfast Remainers would accept the result of a second vote based on the actual future rather than the fantasy future described by the Leave campaign."