Change UK’s top MEP candidate quits campaign a week before elections

A Change UK MEP candidate has switch sides.

David Macdonald urged people to vote for the Liberal Democrats on May 26 after ending his candidacy because he thought that would be the best way to stop Brexit.

The independent councillor in East Renfrewshire was afraid votes for anti-Brexit parties Lib Dems, SNP and Greens could be diluted if he stood.

He argued this could pave the way for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party to get an MEP in Scotland.

Speaking outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh after campaigning for three weeks, Mr Macdonald said: ‘For me it was just purely about the mathematics of this, we’re looking at a very different political landscape in Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom.’

He added: ‘There comes a point in politics where you realise you have go to do something for the greater good.’

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Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie welcomed the decision, saying: ‘I am grateful for the step David has taken.

‘I know it is not easy making this decision, it was difficult, and he has been considering it for quite some time.

‘I think this gives us a real opportunity to send a message across Scotland that if you want to stop Brexit you need to vote Liberal Democrat.’

In a letter to Anna Soubry of Change UK Mr Macdonald wrote: ‘I have come to the point where I have realised I must do what is best for the future of this country before anything else.’

Change UK spokesman Chuka Umuna was not happy with his, saying: ‘It is obviously disappointing that this candidate has chosen to pledge allegiance to another party – he has let down his fellow candidates and activists.’