Reform candidate defects after becoming 'disillusioned' with the party

A Reform UK candidate has stepped down and backed the Conservatives, citing a 'failure of leadership' over allegations of racism within the party.

Liam Booth-Isherwood, who was standing in the Derbyshire seat of Erewash, announced he was dropping out of the race and would instead be endorsing the Tory contender Maggie Throup to 'stop Labour'.

The candidate said he had become 'increasingly disillusioned' with the behaviour of the party, which he suggested indicated a 'significant moral issue' within its ranks.

Liam Booth-Isherwood was standing in the Derbyshire seat of Erewash before he announced he would be endorsing the Conservatives

Maggie Throup (left) walks alongside Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

The Tories said that if 130,000 voters joined the Reform UK candidate who switched to back the Conservatives 'it would be enough to stop Labour's supermajority'.

A party spokesman added: 'Mr Booth-Isherwood knows a vote for Reform is a vote for Keir Starmer.'

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