A former UKIP parliamentary candidate for both Harpenden and St Albans has asked Brexiteers to back the Tories.

John Stocker, who ran in St Albans in 2010, and Harpenden in 2015, revealed he would not be seeking renomination this election.

He said in a letter: “In my opinion the purpose of UKIP was fulfilled with the result of the EU referendum in June 2016.

“The resulting Theresa May government has shown a firm commitment to Brexit, and I am confident they will move forward with the best deal for the UK.”

He told the Herts Advertiser it is probable he will vote for Peter Lilley at the June election.

But insisted this was his personal view, and not that of UKIP.

He said: “Anne Main and Peter Lilley are both committed Brexiteers and have shown that they are willing to support the democratic wishes of the UK population.

“I would be reluctant therefore to stand against either of them.”

UKIP are yet to announce a candidate for the election.

They came fourth in St Albans in 2015, and third in Harpenden.