November 29, 2019 1.57 pm This story is over 52 months old

Brexit Party ‘not capable’ of winning Lincoln, says former UKIP candidate

He has endorsed the Conservatives
Nick Smith. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A former UKIP parliamentary candidate for Lincoln has said the Brexit Party is “not capable” of winning the seat and has endorsed Conservative Karl McCartney to be the city’s next MP.

Nick Smith, who stood for parliament in the last four elections, has backed Mr McCartney to win back the constituency from Labour’s Karen Lee on December 12.

Mr Smith said he made the decision because he wants to “get Brexit done” and believed Mr McCartney would help to do that.

He added that he had asked Nigel Farage, leader of the Brexit Party, not to put up a candidate in Lincoln as it would not help to get a pro-leave MP in.

UKIP candidate Nick Smith pictured in 2017. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Lincolnite and BBC Radio Lincolnshire will host a live debate will all the candidates on Monday, December 9 at 7pm. More info here.

“I was a bit disappointed,” he said.

“I know for a fact that he [The Brexit Party candidate] is not capable of winning.

“The result for me has to be a Conservative candidate for Lincoln.”

He added: “I’d like everyone who voted for me in the last four general elections to get behind Karl and make sure we get him home.

“I want him back in Parliament to get Brexit done for Lincoln.”

Brexit Party candidate, Reece Wilkes, has been approached for comment.

Nick Smith, UKIP's former candidate for Lincoln, urges the City's electorate to vote for Karl to get Brexit done. ✅

Posted by Karl McCartney on Thursday, 28 November 2019

Mr Smith, who set up the UKIP branch in Lincoln back in 2004, stood unsuccessfully to be MP for Lincoln at each election since 2005.

His highest record came in 2015, when UKIP picked up 5,721 votes. However, this dropped back to 1,287 at the 2017 election.

UKIP decided not to stand a candidate for Lincoln on December 12.

Meanwhile, Mr McCartney, who is looking to regain the seat for the Tories, said he was pleased to receive Mr Smith’s endorsement.

“Politics in recent years has often been divisive,” he said.

“This election needs to be about getting Brexit done so we can move on. I am pleased that Nick has given me his support.”

Seven candidates are bidding to become Lincoln’s next MP at the election on December 12.

You can find them below.

  • Rob Bradley, Independent
  • Sally Horscroft, Green Party
  • Caroline Kenyon, Liberal Democrat
  • Karl McCartney, Conservative Party
  • Karen Lee, Labour Party
  • Charles Shaw, Liberal
  • Reece Wilkes, Brexit Party

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.