Statement regarding Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

You may be aware of a story in the media suggesting that the Liberal Democrats have stood down for Labour in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport. Naturally, this has attracted questions, so we are making this statement to clarify our position.

At the start of the General Election campaign, the Plymouth Liberal Democrats Executive decided that the best use of our resources was to campaign in seats where we either have a chance of returning a Liberal Democrat MP, or where we can challenge a sitting MP who supports Brexit. Consequently, we have not run a campaign on the ground in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport. Instead we have focused on South West Devon, Plymouth Moor View, and neighbouring seats; particularly Totnes. The Liberal Democrat candidate, Graham Reed, is standing in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, so that voters are provided with the opportunity to vote for the Liberal Democrats.

As Graham Reed has stated in local media, we acknowledge that tactical voting is a major factor across many UK seats in this General Election. We recognise that voters up and down the country are weighing up difficult decisions. Voting tactically is a direct consequence of First Past The Post; a system to which both the Conservatives and Labour are committed. The Liberal Democrats support the replacement of this system with Proportional Representation.

Plymouth Liberal Democrats are strongly supporting Sarah Wollaston as the only viable challenge to the Conservatives in Totnes.

As always, our priority is to return as many Liberal Democrat MPs as possible.

Plymouth Liberal Democrats