The Tories have two weeks to select another candidate
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.
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."He later commented: "I'm proud to now be representing a party that has the values I've always espoused. A party that puts the people of Manchester first.
Mr Barker previously told the Manchester Evening News that if he wins the election, he would bring policing under his direct control. He said he would delegate other duties - such as transport - and take on police and crime himself. Ex-council worker Nick Buckley stood for Reform at the last election in 2021. He is now standing as an independent.
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