THE Westmorland and Lonsdale Green Party have announced they are standing down their candidate for June's General Election and have urged voters to back the Lib Dems instead.

At a meeting of the party's local branch last night, it was decided Ian Rodham would no longer stand in June 8's snap election.

He has now encouraged the local electorate to use its vote tactically to keep the Conservatives from winning the seat.

"Support for the Green Party, and a new way of doing politics, is growing in South Lakes," said Mr Rodham, 48.

"After much deliberation we’ve decided that, at this critical election, our best chance of preventing the erosion of our ideals is to stand aside and encourage our supporters to vote according to their conscience to ensure the Conservatives do not win.

"In this seat that means voting tactically for the Lib Dems.”

Gwen Harrison, from the Westmorland and Lonsdale Green Party, added: "We must do all we can to prevent the sort of damage that an unconstrained Conservative government will unleash.

"We know how disappointed our supporters will be not to have to opportunity to vote Green in this election, but we hope they’ll understand that these unprecedented times call for progressive voices to show leadership by putting the national interest above tribal politics.”