CANDIDATES in the General Election bidding to replace William Hague as MP for Richmond have been giving their reactions after an independent standing for the seat asked them to step aside

Robin Scott emailed rival candidates after seeing bookmakers cut the odds on him being returned to 7-1, making Mr Scott the second favourite behind Conservative candidate Rishi Sunak.

He said with bookmaker William Hill raising its odds on Mr Sunak being elected in the constituency from 1-100 to 1-14, it was clear there was "a total lack of support for the favourite".

The former Wensleydale and Richmond School pupil told his rivals: "If you have an interest in seeing our constituency return anything other than a Conservative MP, now is the time to demonstrate that you can put principles and people ahead of personal and party ambition.

"This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in the outcome of this election."

He advised them to withdraw from the election ahead of last Thursday's deadline, so they could get their deposit back.

Mr Scott said the other candidates had very long "outsider" odds.

A rival candidate, independent John Blackie, said he had been "staggered" by the request.

Ukip candidate Matthew Cooke added: “If Mr Scott had said ‘[lease’ I would have at least considered his request but without the magic ‘P’ word I’m afraid I filed Mr Scott’s letter in my round filing cabinet underneath my desk.

“Besides, I have spoken personally to literally thousands of residents across the constituency all who have pledged their support for myself on May 7. If I had withdrawn my candidacy I would be letting them all down.”

Labour's Mike Hill said: "The answer from Labour to this bizarre request is a polite no thank you. We are busy campaigning for real change for Richmond and would suggest that a vote for Independent is a vote for a voice in the wilderness, although I suspect that as a former Tory activist and wannabe party candidate Robin Scott deep down remains true blue." 

Members of Mr Blackie's campaign team said they had been amused by an article in The Spectator magazine, which stated Mr Sunak, who was described as a "metropolitan cool guy" who likes wearing sunglasses on top of his head, would "inherit William Hague's seat".

After attending a point to point event in Bedale yesterday (Sunday, April 12), Mr Sunak said he had not seen The Spectator article and countered claims that his urban background was relevant to whether he could serve as an MP in one of the country's most rural constituencies,

He said: "I think what matters is that you understand the issues and do something about them.

"Where you are from doesn't help you understand a 100-page national funding formula for health or education."

The other candidates contesting the seat are John Harris (Liberal Democrat) and Leslie Rowe (Green).