The Liberal Democrats will not stand a candidate against former Conservative Dominic Grieve, as part of pro-Remain push to block Brexiters in the election campaign.

The MP, who has represented Beaconsfield since 1997, was sacked last month alongside 20 others, for having voted against the government, effectively preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Yesterday 10 of the 21 were reinstated as Tories but Grieve, alongside other serial troublemakers including former chancellor Philip Hammond and Father of the House Ken Clarke, was not.

Today he confirmed he would stand as an independent candidate – but would be working with the Liberal Democrats and anti-Brexit pressure group Best for Britain.

“I will run as an independent. I have no idea what the outcome will be,” said the MP who had a majority of 24,543 in 2017. “All I can do is offer myself to my constituents… as an individual. If they want me, I’m here to serve. If they don’t, no hard feelings.”

Grieve confirmed that the Lib Dems had stood down a would-be candidate, who was now working to help him in his campaign. He added that he suspected Labour would stand a candidate against him, and is also expected to face a battle against a Conservative in this traditionally safe seat.

The former attorney general dodged a question about which of the three party leaders he would prefer to see as Prime Minister, but stressed he could not imagine the country voting for a Jeremy Corbyn-led government.

His decision to stand without the whip is expected to encourage others, including Runnymede MP Hammond, who has not yet confirmed his next steps.

Grieve said the Tory party has been “purged of most moderate elements”, and noted many of the reinstated rebels are standing down anyway.

“It’s a bit like Archbishop Cranmer being told he can recant, but he’ll still be burnt at the stake”

Main image: Getty