Exclusive by Alan Quick

A CREDITON man who yesterday (Thursday) stood as the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) candidate for the Central Devon constituency in the General Election has today made the shock move of leaving UKIP and has joined the Conservative Party.

Tim Matthews, of Hawthorn Road, Crediton, speaking exclusively to the "Courier", said that he was grateful and humbled by the support he received from people who voted for him in the election but said UKIP had "veered into extremism and racism", which was "not morally or politically acceptable".

Mr Matthews said: "It’s the day after the election and the dust is just starting to settle. It will take us all time to get used to the new realities that we are faced with but one thing is clear; Britain’s brief foray into multiparty politics is over. Like it or not, we are now well and truly back into two party politics.

"Against this background, given the need to get behind Brexit negotiations, and to be true to ourselves, we now have to make choices. And I have made mine. I have joined the Conservative Party.

"People who voted for me in this election, and I am grateful and humbled by their support, mainly did so because they know me personally.

"But as a natural Conservative, admittedly to the right of the party in terms of my support for tough border controls, less taxation, a smaller state, a truly free market economy and greater personal responsibility, I feel more at home in a mainstream party that has, historically, delivered economic prosperity and opportunity for the many and created an environment in which small businesses can flourish in challenging local and global markets.

"Given that the UK collectively pays £1 billion a week in national debt interest, calls to spend more money across the board are unrealistic and must be resisted.

"Giving more money to the centre increases bureaucracy and unaccountability, not delivery, efficiency or value for money.

"Unusually, we have something of a Liberal Democrat fiefdom here in Crediton and it is to be hoped that we can, in due course, upset this.

"The only way to do this is by supporting the Conservative Party and I am lucky to know several party activists who are doing their very best for central Devon.

"I am mindful of Councillor Judi Binks’ fantastic efforts in opposing the Pedlarspool housing developments. She is a genuine community champion and a model for effective political representation.

"UKIP was, once, a libertarian party campaigning for Brexit, but, in recent months, it has veered into extremism and racism and this is not morally or politically acceptable.

"Seeking to maintain a certain relevance for UKIP, the leadership failed to listen to the membership and opted for division rather than discussion.

"No wonder its members have drifted away, many back into the Conservative Party!

"In the end it is what we can do for our community that matters. All I can say is that I will do my best to help the local community and local good causes through charity fundraising and political activity.

"The rest is down to the voters!"

Mr Matthews did not attend a hustings event held in Crediton on Monday evening (June 5) and his place was taken by local UKIP activist, Richard Wright.