GETTY Ukip has announced it will back Goldsmith in the upcoming by-election.

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Nigel Farage said his party would not contest the seat on December 1 — which prompted the Lib Dems to attack Goldsmith for backing Brexit. Announcing the endorsement, a Ukip spokesman said: “Recognising Zac as a principled man, who was fully committed to helping Britain out of the European Union, Ukip leader Nigel Farage, in conjunction with the National Executive Committee have agreed that we will not be fielding a candidate in the upcoming by-election for Richmond Park.

“The Liberal Democrats are committed to overturning the result of the 2016 referendum and ignoring the will of the British people. This must not be allowed to happen.” He added: “Ukip are encouraging all of our supporters and voters to support Zac Goldsmith in his bid to become an independent MP.” But the Lib Dems pounced on the announcement, labelling Mr Goldsmith the “Brexit” candidate, who wants Britain to leave the single market.

GETTY DESPERATE: Lib Dem leader Tim Farron attacked Mr Goldsmith over his pro-Leave stance.

GETTY Mr Goldsmith will contest the seat as an independent after the Government backed Heathrow expansion.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Goldsmith has a “major battle” on his hands against his party. In a frantic sales pitch to the constituency’s Remain voters, he said: “Zac Goldsmith claimed Brexit has nothing to do with this by-election. The very public endorsement he has picked up from the party of Nigel Farage nails that lie. “Zac Goldsmith was already the Conservative Party candidate. Now he is also the Ukip candidate. His campaign is the Nigel and Zac show.”