'Goon' stunt makes Tory candidate quit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Tory parliamentary candidate has stepped down because he is appalled by his party's "Goon Show" campaigning strategy.
Jonathan Fine, a 40-year-old advertising executive, has resigned as prospective candidate for the safe Labour seat of Morley and Rothwell in West Yorkshire. He is the third Conservative candidate in Yorkshire to step down this year.
Mr Fine could not be contacted yesterday evening, but in an interview with the Press Association he highlighted the recent news conference where the party chairman Dr Brian Mawhinney and Michael Heseltine, Deputy Prime Minister, launched their "New Labour, New Danger" slogan.
"This stunt was like the Goon Show," Mr Fine said.
The original reason he gave for his decision was pressure of work. But he said yesterday: "Concern about the way the party is presenting its policies and lack of leadership from the top are key factors. I found myself disagreeing more often than not with the approach of senior Tories, some of which was arrogant."
George Lee, chairman of the constituency association, said: "I'm doubly disappointed that he has chosen to do this by talking to the press without having first spoken to ourselves."
Earlier this year Paul Sykes resigned as prospective candidate for Barnsley Central and Richard Wrigley stepped down in Dewsbury.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments