Former Lib Dem candidate backs SNP opponent Ian Blackford

The Liberal Democrat who stood against the SNP’s Ian Blackford at the last election has now said she will support him on December 12.

Jean Davis, who stood for the Liberal Democrats in Ross, Skye and Lochaber in the 2017 General Election, coming third behind Mr Blackford and the Conservative candidate, said she is lending the SNP Westminster leader her vote as “the best option to stop Brexit”.

In a blog, Ms Davis said she would only vote for someone with a strong connection to the constituency, who preferably lives there, and for someone against Brexit.

She said her choice came down to the Labour and SNP candidates but her decision to back Mr Blackford was clinched as Scottish Labour are “against” a second EU referendum.

https://mobile.twitter.com/jeanmedavis/status/1202276197834641409

She wrote: “To Ian, I am lending you my vote on this occasion. It may be a one-off but you are the best option to stop Brexit.

“Despite your manifesto it does not mean I support independence but I do think we need to have a further debate & referendum on independence especially if we do end up leaving the EU.

“To my ex party – you really need to remember your radical roots. It’s all a bit status quo at the moment.”

Mr Blackford said: “I am delighted former Lib Dem candidate Jean Davis is backing the SNP at this election – joining thousands of former Labour, Lib Dem and Green voters supporting the SNP on 12th December as the main challenger to the Tories, the strongest party of Remain, and the only party offering people in Scotland a choice over our future.”