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A former Conservative MP who said he was “deeply saddened” by the result of the Brexit referendum is now standing for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
Barry Parsons, standing for Reform in Morecambe and Lunesdale, said after the June 2016 vote to leave the EU that the UK and EU were “stronger together”.
The candidate, who was then a Conservative member of Devon County Council, also appeared to criticise the “divisive” atmosphere of the referendum campaign.
Farage is leader of UKIP, was one of the architects of the successful Brexit campaign and is currently leader of the Reform Party, for which Parsons is running, but was criticised for his campaigning during the EU referendum, with then Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, a Remain supporter, saying Farage’s infamous immigration poster, “Breaking Point”, was “reminiscent” of 1930s literature.
Parsons said. I His change of heart was motivated by respect for democracy.
“My opinion is entirely subordinate to the democratic wishes of the people of this country,” he said. “The British people made a democratic decision in 2016 and it is my strong view that as a democracy we all support that decision, regardless of our personal preferences at the time. Clearly many people are still continuing to try to overturn that decision and now I find that really sad.”
Reformists suggested Parsons’ past comments should be welcomed as they show he respects the vote to leave the EU, despite being opposed to it at the time.
Parsons has now criticised the Conservative party for “missing its big chance on Brexit” and has a manifesto promising to repeal 6,700 remaining EU laws, revoke the Windsor Agreement on Northern Ireland and prepare to renegotiate the trade deal with the EU signed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
But after the 2016 Brexit referendum, he Bude and Stratton Post“Opening up this sore spot has caused great divisions between individuals, between nations and even between countries within the UK.”
“Like so many others, I am deeply saddened. But I have always said that we are stronger together.”
“Westminster politics now need to reflect what’s best for our country, not what’s best for individual parties or individual MPs.”
Parsons served as a councillor on Torridge District Council for 12 years, rising to become its leader and being appointed as a Devon councillor.
talk Lancaster Guardian Speaking about his new campaign, he said: “I’m asking you all to join me and Reform UK. I’m not your ordinary politician. I’m here for you.”
A Reform spokesman responded: “That’s fantastic – many of our candidates voted Remain.”
“But unlike many in Westminster and Whitehall, they are thorough democrats and accepted the decision taken by 17.4 million people.
“They, like other members of Reform UK, believe that the British people should be respected and not lied to as the old parties have done for years.”
2024 Election
With the 4 July polls looming, the general election campaign is all but over. Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and other party leaders have been battling for votes for six weeks. I‘s election live blog has been covering this from the beginning.
Each party has published their manifesto, with the Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Reform UK explaining why people should vote. Read IManifestos comparing each of the major parties’ promises on issues such as the NHS, education, defence, devolution, tax, spending, HS2 and housing.
Before you head to the polls on Thursday, you can read the polls, see which races are likely to be won or lost, be informed about who you’ll vote for, and prepare for the weather.