Reform candidate defects to Tories amid racism row.
A Reform UK candidate has stepped down and endorsed the Conservatives, accusing Nigel Farage of failing to “fundamentally address” allegations of racism and sexism in the party.
Liam Booth-Isherwood, who was standing in Erewash, said on Sunday he was suspending his campaign and backing Maggie Throup, the Tory candidate, in order to “stop Labour”.
The Conservatives seized on the resignation, saying that if 130,000 people intending to vote Reform switched to back the Tories, it “would be enough to stop Labour’s super-majority”.
In a statement, Mr Booth-Isherwood said he had become “increasingly disillusioned” with Reform’s conduct, which he suggested pointed to “a significant moral issue” in its ranks.
He accused the party’s leaders of failing to “fundamentally address” reports of “widespread racism and sexism” that have plagued Reform in recent days, with one canvasser secretly recorded calling Rishi Sunak a “f---ing p---” in a racial slur.
Because nominations for the July 4 election have closed, Mr Booth-Isherwood will still appear on the ballot paper.
He said: “Over the past few weeks, I have been increasingly disillusioned with the behaviour and conduct of Reform.
“Whilst I have campaigned alongside many decent, honest and hard-working people during the course of the general election campaign in Erewash, the reports of widespread racism and sexism in Reform have made clear that there is a significant moral issue within certain elements of the party.
