The Conservative candidate in the Selby and Ainsty by-election has pulled out of the contest.
Michael Naughton was hoping to replace Nigel Adams as the Selby MP, after he resigned at the same time as good friend Boris Johnson.
But today, Mr Naughton issued a brief statement, saying: “Due to an unforeseen family medical emergency, I have had to withdraw my candidacy from Selby & Ainsty.”
Mr Naughton was selected to fight the seat on 9 June.
He was among three final candidates for the Conservative candidacy. The remaining two, Zak Khan and Andrew Lee – who represents Appleton Roebuck & Church Fenton on North Yorkshire Council – must now be the favourites to take his place.
When he was chosen as candidate, Mr Naughton said he would “work with the government to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats”.
Last night, Labour revealed their candidate for the seat was 25-year-old Keir Mather.
Although the Conservative majority for Selby and Ainsty at the last election was 20K, political consultancy Electoral Calculus is predicting a win for Labour.
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