The Conservative candidate standing to become Greater Manchester mayor has defected to Reform UK. Dan Barker, who was selected to stand for the Tories against Andy Burnham, has now joined the party founded by Nigel Farage.
Mr Barker, a magistrate from Sale who has a background in the civil nuclear and defence sector, was announced as the Conservative candidate for the mayoral election in December.
The poll to elect the mayor will be held on May 2. Announcing the news of his defection on social media, Mr Barker said: "Delighted to be joining the new home of conservatism with Reform UK.
Reform represent the ordinary people of this country." READ MORE: Avanti latest: Government issue warning after calls to strip operator of contract He later commented: "I'm proud to now be representing a party that has the values I've always espoused.
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