People denied chance to vote for no-deal, says ex-Brexit Party candidate

John Cross is one of dozens of Brexit Party hopefuls who have been left disappointed after Mr Farage announced his party would not contest seats held by the Conservatives, fearful of splitting the Brexit vote and boosting Jeremy Corbyn's chances.

He said he and many other former party candidates feel let down by the decision and claimed he had broad support in Halesowen and Rowley Regis, where he was planning to take on Tory incumbent James Morris.

Mr Cross, 58, said: "I pretty much speak for everybody. We are all in agreement. We are all very disappointed we cannot stand and give people a choice to go ahead wit no-deal. Many people haven't now got that choice."

He said there was anger towards Mr Farage about "the way he has gone about it" and also raised questions about the party's election strategy.

Mr Cross said: "They didn't even know the Dudley North incumbent (Ian Austin) only got in by 22 votes. They haven't targeted seats very well."

The former candidate said he believed he had stood a chance of challenging Mr Morris for the Halesowen and Rowley Regis seat - but believes there could soon be another election, and another potential opportunity for him to stand.

He said: "I apologise to my voters who have now got three choices. They either vote Conservative, spoil their ballot paper or don't bother turning out. It's a sad state of affairs.

"It's very likely to be a hung Parliament and more of the same. I do think we will get a few MPs. I'm expecting another general election in April or May."

Another Brexit Party hopeful spoke out yesterday after finding out he would not long be able to contest the poll in Walsall North.

Stephen Petty had been due to stand in the constituency, having been named as a candidate back in August.

But he says he fears his political career may now be over.