CONGRATULATIONS to Nigel Farage. By unilaterally withdrawing his Brexit candidates from contesting the 317 Tory-held seats, he has, almost certainly, guaranteed that the referendum result will be implemented.

Like a true statesman, Nigel has put Brexit first and the ambitions of himself and his new party second.

Nigel’s decisive move should give Boris an outright majority, meaning that at long-last the Withdrawal Agreement will be approved by parliament.

In effect, Nigel has countered the antics of the Remain alliance which threatened the chaos of another hung parliament.

Now, with no Brexit candidates on the ballot paper, all incumbent Tory MPs should hold their seats whilst, elsewhere, Brexit candidates will syphon off Labour votes.

In the interests of Brexit, Nigel has put principle before party.

Something new amongst modern party leaders!

Steve Kay, Redcar & Cleveland councillor