The centrist Renew Party has announced it is folding in order to support the Independent Group in the European elections.
The party formed in 2017 in the hope of attracting moderate voters, but did not win any seats at local or national level.
Ahead of the May 23 poll, it said on Monday evening that it was “essential” the pro-European vote is not split.
With Renew winding up its operations, the Independent Group – launched earlier this year by disgruntled former Labour and Conservative MPs – said it would accept applications to stand from Renew-approved candidates.
Heidi Allen, the interim leader of the Independent Group, said on Monday: “I take my hat off to the Renew party.
“Both Renew and the Independent Group have said that British politics is broken and it needs to change. We are looking forward to working together with them and their supporters in order to change British politics and make the positive case for Britain’s membership of the European Union.”
Renew leader Annabel Mullin said: “Due to the Brexit threat, it is essential that the pro-European vote is not split on May 23. This strategic move will ensure that voters are presented with a clear, pro-European choice at the ballot box.”
In the Newport West by-election earlier this month, Renew candidate June Davies came seventh out of 11 candidates, with 3.7 per cent of the vote.
The party will officially close when the Electoral Commission gives “Change UK - The Independent Group” the all-clear to run in next month’s elections.
