Ukip has endorsed Zac Goldsmith, the former Conservative MP who is now standing as an independent in the Richmond Park byelection. The Conservatives have said they will not put up their own candidate against Goldsmith. “Zac Goldsmith has resigned on a matter of principle and Ukip admire him for having the courage to do so,” a spokesman said. This must not be allowed to happen.”The Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, said the endorsement showed Goldsmith was “the Ukip candidate”. The trio said it would be preferable not to split the progressive vote, with the Lib Dems standing a chance of reducing Theresa May’s majority.

Source: The Guardian October 27, 2016 14:28 UTC