Remainers have abandoned plans for a single candidate to stand in the Peterborough by election (Image: TWITTER)
Lib Dems, the Green Party, Change UK and the centrist Renew Party had spent several hours trying to select a single independent candidate for the Cambridgeshire seat in the June 6 poll before the 4pm deadline. But the putative candidate was said to have pulled out at the eleventh hour amid allegations he came under pressure from senior Labour figures - including supporters of the People’s Vote campaign. Change UK MP Gavin Shuker said the setback came after the four parties had been working hard on a joint approach to the by-election triggered by the recall petition for the former Labour MP Fiona Onasanaya.
He said: “We all agreed to stand down any candidates we might field in favour of a genuinely independent, pro-People’s Vote and pro-Remain candidate who had expressed an interest and intention to stand.
“However, senior Labour figures, including senior figures campaigning for a People’s Vote, made it clear that they would strenuously disrupt the campaign and obstruct an independent candidate, driven by fears that it would harm their party in Peterborough.
“The candidate was left with no option.
“The pro People’s Vote and pro Remain third parties will continue to work together where we can in the national interest to promote the cause - this initiative marks the continuation not the end
