Election 2019: Lib Dems ignore David Gauke’s plea not to split the Remain vote – The Times

David Gauke is standing as an independent having lost the Conservative whipNeil Hall/EPA

The Liberal Democrat leader has rejected David Gaukes plea not to contest his seat, facing down fears in her own party over splitting the Remain vote.

Jo Swinson said that she still intended to field a candidate against Mr Gauke in South West Hertfordshire, despite the former Tory cabinet minister calling for traditional Tory voters elsewhere to back the Lib Dems.

The plea from Mr Gauke, the former justice secretary who is now standing as an independent, was made in an interview with The Times and aimed at denying Boris Johnson a Tory majority which he said would enable a very hard Brexit. He also came out in favour of a second referendum.

Ms Swinson also insisted that the party would replace Tim Walker, the

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Election 2019: Lib Dems ignore David Gauke's plea not to split the Remain vote - The Times