Ukip hopes for upset victory in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election
Voters will pick a replacement for Conservative MP Stephen Phillips, who stepped down
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.Nigel Farage has made a last-ditch bid to cause an upset at the Sleaford by-election – telling voters the contest is about Brexit.
New Ukip leader Paul Nuttall will face his first big electoral test tomorrow at the by-election, which will choose the MP to replace Conservative Stephen Phillips.
Mr Phillips, who supports Brexit but remaining in the European single market, stepped down citing “irreconcilable policy differences” with Theresa May’s approach to Brexit.
He leaves the Conservatives with a huge 24,000 majority, with Labour and Ukip far behind in second and third place at the 2015 general election.
Ukip will be hoping to do well in the seat, which is overwhelmingly eurosceptic and voted for Brexit, along with the rest of Lincolnshire, where it is located.
“People here voted for Brexit and this is about getting the right deal, which you won't get if people vote Conservative,” Mr Farage said on a visit to the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat, the Daily Express newspaper reports.
He earlier this week said he would not stake a prediction on the result of the election, however.
Lincolnshire county councillor Victoria Ayling is contesting the seat for Ukip, while Labour is standing Jim Clarke.
The Conservative candidate is Dr Caroline Johnson, while the Liberal Democrats are standing Ross Pepper. Marianne Overton and Sarah Stock are standing as independent candidates.
The Green Party is not fielding a candidate in the by-election.
The contest comes after the Liberal Democrats overturned a 23,015 majority to defeat Zac Goldsmith in Richmond Park.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments