Tories accused of ‘soiled tips’ as Reform UK candidate withdraws
The Tories have been accused of ‘dirty tricks’ after a Reform UK candidate withdrew from the general election to hand ex-minister Sir Gavin Williamson an easier ride.
Tom Wellings, who was Reform’s candidate in Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, pulled out of the race at the last minute.
He also announced he would now be supporting Sir Gavin, the Conservative former Cabinet minister, who is standing for re-election in the Staffordshire constituency.
Mr Wellings expressed concern that by standing as a Reform candidate in the seat, he risked splitting the right-wing vote and handing victory to Labour.
But Reform chairman Richard Tice vented his fury at Mr Wellings and accused the Conservatives of ‘dirty tricks’.
Amid the row, the insurgent party have fallen short of their target of fielding candidates in 630 out of the UK’s 650 constituencies on 4 July.
The Tories have been accused of ‘dirty tricks’ after a Reform UK candidate withdrew from the general election to hand ex-minister Sir Gavin Williamson an easier ride
Reform chairman Richard Tice vented his fury at former party candidate Tom Wellings and the Conservatives
Mr Tice told the Sunday Mirror: ‘Wellings put his papers in on Wednesday then in the last hour without telling us withdrew them.
‘I am challenging Gavin Williamson to say whether money, jobs or a safe seat was offered to Wellings to do this.
He added: ‘One of our candidates in the same region was offered a safe council seat and two jobs to stand down. He sensibly rejected the offers and told us what was going on.’
In messages seen by the newspaper, Mr Wellings announced his defection by telling supporters: ‘I understand many of you were looking forward to having a Reform UK candidate.
‘However after careful consideration and extensive analysis of recent local polling data I have made the decision to withdraw my candidacy.
‘I care deeply about the future of Staffordshire. Therefore I have decided to support Conservative candidate Gavin Williamson who has considerable experience in government.
‘I am confident Gavin is well positioned to effectively challenge a leftwing Labour government.’
Sir Gavin, the former defence secretary and former education secretary, rejected the claims and said it was ‘certainly not the case.’
A Tory spokesman described Mr Tice’s accusations as ‘utter rubbish’.
