A former Conservative Party Cabinet minister said on Wednesday that giving the party a majority in next month’s election would be “disastrous” for the U.K., in the latest example of how the Brexit debate has shattered traditional party alliances in this deeply divided country. The Labour Party is also split over Brexit, as well as the left-wing policies of leader Jeremy Corbyn. On the other side of the divide is the newly formed Brexit Party, which seeks to ensure Britain leaves the bloc as soon as possible. The Brexit Party this week said it wouldn’t run candidates in constituencies now held by the Conservatives after Mr. Johnson promised Britain would leave the EU by the end of 2020. While other former Conservatives have switched to the Liberal Democrats, Mr. Gauke said he will run for re-election as an independent.

Source: The Hindu November 13, 2019 11:40 UTC