Anna Soubry will not be opposed by a Liberal Democrat candidate in the marginal seat of Broxtowe, the party has confirmed.
It has been named as one of 60 seats where pro-Remain candidates will stand aside to allow other Remainers a better chance of winning. A national-level pact between the Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party has been being brokered for several months.
However, the Green Party’s Kat Boettge has said she will stand in Broxtowe.
The Liberal Democrats had already chosen local councillor Tim Hallam to be their candidate, back in September.
Speaking about standing aside, he said: “It's vitally important that as many Remain MPs as possible are elected to Parliament on December 12, and I'm happy to stand aside in Broxtowe to make this possible.
"The General Election was called for only one reason and there are only two sides: leave the EU on the Conservatives' disastrous deal, or remain as proud members of the EU to preserve the vital jobs, public services, and liberties that Broxtowe residents deserve.
“It would be ridiculous for Remain-candidates to fight amongst ourselves and give Leave an easy win.
“Standing aside wasn't a decision that was taken lightly and I'm very proud of the pragmatism and selflessness that Broxtowe Liberal Democrat members have shown in coming to this decision.
Most Read
“It's unfortunate that the Green Party have chosen to stand a candidate in Broxtowe. I've got a lot of respect for the local Greens, but I think they've missed the big picture and how Broxtowe features in this.
“We need to put aside our differences and work in the national interest. Jo Swinson is keen to promote a new, cooperative kind of politics, and I'm with her all the way.
General Election 2019
Speaking about the national pro-Remain alliance, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson said: “I am delighted that this arrangement will help elect more pro-Remain MPs in the next Parliament.”
All parties have until Thursday, November 14 to finalise their candidates.
At the last election in 2017, Anna Soubry - then a Conservative, but now from The Independent Group for Change - had a majority of 863. The Liberal Democrats won 2,247 votes.
The constituency voted to Leave overall, with 54.6 percent of voters opting for this.
Other candidates who have confirmed they are standing are:
Darren Henry, Conservative
Don’t miss
Greg Marshall, Labour
Anna Soubry, The Independent Group for Change
Kat Boettge, Green Party