The LibDems approached the Green Party over a secret electoral pact, Guido can reveal, amid claims the Greens were offered £250,000 to stand aside in Richmond. The email below was sent by the leader of the LibDem group in Kingston, Liz Green, to the Green Richmond candidate who stood aside, Andree Frieze. The LibDem group leader offered a meeting to discuss “smart targeting” of wards in the 2018 local elections, proposing the two parties “work together” to keep the Tories out. The Green candidate then decided not to run in Richmond…

From: Liz Green

To: Andree Frieze, Dave Ryder-Mills

Sent: Thursday 3 November, 18:54

Subject: Lib Dems and Greens Hi Andree

Thank you for your email earlier today. l have switched to my personal email as it is more appropriate than the council one. My personal view is that local Kingston Lib Dems and Greens should meet to discuss smart targeting for the 2018 local council elections. I cannot give guarantees on wards or candidates, but I would be happy to look at how we work together to ensure the mutual desire that the Conservatives do not retain control of RBK at the 2018 elections. I have to add that the Liberal Democrat aim will be to hold a majority control of the council, post election, but that does not mean that smart targeting of wards and resources could not play a substantial part in that.

This is an electoral pact in all but name, the so-called “Progressive Alliance” working together to keep the Tories out. In the context of local Greens claiming they were offered £250,000 not to stand in Richmond, this raises serious questions about the alleged inducement. There are rumours this sort of deal has been proposed across the country…