Former Tory MP convicted of fiddling expenses stands down from new seat race

A former Tory MP who was convicted of fiddling his expenses has stood down as a candidate - just hours after announcing he was going for a new seat.

Chris Davies said he would no longer be contesting the Anglesey seat in North Wales “following critical comments in the media” as he did not want to cause his family any more distress.

Mr Davies was sacked as MP for Brecon and Radnorshire in June after a recall petition was signed by more than 10,000 people, triggered by his conviction for faking expenses claims.

Mr Davies lost his Brecon and Radnoshire seat to Jane Dodds of the Lib Dems (Getty Images)

He then lost to Lib Dem Jane Dodds in a subsequent by-election, after the other Remain-backing parties agreed not to stand.

The announcement that the ex-MP was to stand in Anglesey - known as Ynys Mon - was met by incredulity by other parties and even some Tories in Wales.

Plaid Cymru candidate Aled ap Dafydd said: “By imposing a convicted former MP who was found guilty of a false expenses claim as the candidate for the island shows how little they care about Ynys Mon.”