More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has come under fire from one of his own MEPs for his U-turn on standing candidates in the upcoming General Election.
South East MEP Alexandra Phillips, who was elected in this year's EU poll and is a key ally of Mr Farage, said she had been disenfranchised by her own party.
In a series of tweets, she said she would be unable to vote as a result of the U-turn.
"I will be one of millions of people who will not vote at all in the General Election," she said.
"That breaks my heart. I have voted in every election since I was 18 and been involved in politics for over a decade.
"And I have been disenfranchised by my own party.”
She urged party supporters to swing behind candidates who would be standing saying: "Those who can vote @brexitparty_uk MUST.
"We have done what is politically necessary albeit totally galling to stave off the greatest electoral threat to Brexit: a Remain coalition.
"Those who want full fat freedom and who can vote Brexit Party must do it to beat the duopoly.”
Mr Farage announced yesterday he was standing down 317 candidates from seats being defended by the Conservatives, saying it risked "remain" supporting candidates from other parties winning and the prospect of a hung parliament.
His announcement drew a mixed reaction from his own supporters, with some candidates in Kent expressing disappointment at the news.
As a result of the decision, Canterbury remains the only seat in Kent which will field a Brexit Party candidate, management consultant Owen Prew.
Mr Farage said there was no question of the party withdrawing from the Canterbury seat, which Labour holds with a majority of just 387.
"We will fight for Canterbury come what may," he said.
He went on the offensive today when he said Conservative MPs in some areas should consider standing aside in strong Brexit-supporting areas.
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