Nick Conrad leaves BBC Radio Norfolk in bid to become MP Published duration 5 November 2019

image caption Nick Conrad has left the BBC and hopes to be in the running for Norfolk's rural Broadland constituency

A BBC radio presenter has left his job as he bids to become a Conservative candidate in the general election on 12 December.

Nick Conrad, who hosted BBC Radio Norfolk's breakfast show, is seeking the party's nomination to stand for the Broadland constituency.

The Tories have held the rural Norfolk seat since it was created in 2010.

Keith Simpson, who has been the constituency's only MP and had a 15,816 majority in 2017, is stepping down

Mr Conrad has not presented his show since Thursday and has been approached by the BBC to comment.

A BBC spokesman said he had resigned from the organisation.

Staff have been told he has left with "immediate effect".

image caption Nick Conrad, who presented the BBC Radio Norfolk breakfast show from its studios in Norwich, joined the BBC 12 years ago

Broadland Conservatives are yet to declare who will be standing for the seat.

The group said it would not comment until after Wednesday's hustings.

Mr Conrad, 34, began his media career at the age of 14 working as a junior sports reporter, making him the youngest radio professional in the country at the time.

He joined the BBC 12 years ago and also writes a weekly column for the Eastern Daily Press newspaper.

The father of three was recognised for his outstanding contribution at the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friendly Awards in 2016.

But he came under fire in 2014 when he said women should "keep their knickers on" during a live debate about a high-profile rape case.

He apologised for the comments and no further action was taken by Ofcom, the radio industry watchdog.

Other prospective parliamentary candidates already chosen by their parties include:

Jessica Barnard (Labour)

Andrew Boswell (Green)

Ben Goodwin (Liberal Democrat)

Alex Hayes (Brexit Party)

The Broadland constituency covers an area north of Norwich taking in part of The Broads, and its towns and villages include Acle, Aylsham, Brundall, Fakenham, Reepham, South Walsham, Taverham and Wroxham.

Related Topics Keith Simpson