Change UK's lead Scottish EU candidate has quit and defected to the Lib Dems

Change UK's lead Scottish candidate in the European elections has quit and defected to the Lib Dems, just eight days before polls open.

David Macdonald was first on the ex-Independent Group's regional list north of the border.

But he announced he was leaving today, saying the numbers "don't look good" for Change UK in Scotland and that they "don't stand much of a chance of winning."

He said he didn't want voters to "waste" their vote and split support for Remain in next Thursday's poll.

Due to the short time before polls open, Mr Macdonald's name will remain on the ballot paper.

(Getty Images)

Change UK not standing in Peterborough by-election  

Chuka Umunna, who left the Labour Party to set up the Independent Group of MPs earlier this year, criticised Mr Macdonald's decision to leave Change UK to join the Lib Dems.

He said: "He has let down his fellow candidates and activists.

"But we are focusing all our efforts on adding to the Remain vote in the UK and challenging the pro- Brexit Tory, Brexit and Labour parties.”