The Liberal Democrat candidate in Labour super marginal Canterbury last night pulled out of the election and backed his rival.
Journalist Tim Walker rang Rosie Duffield, defending a tiny 187 majority in a seat she sensationally snatched from the Tories two years ago, and wished her well.
But the Lib Dems insisted they would be selecting another candidate to stand in the seat.
"It was very much a matter of personal conscience," said Walker who used to write for the Daily Telegraph.
"Locally a lot of Liberal Democrats like Rosie because she's so open minded and spirited and very much her own woman that I'm pulling out.
"I think it's appalling that Labour isn't part of a Remain Alliance but I chatted to her this evening, ringing Rosie to wish her the very best in the election."
Duffied, a strong pro-European, feared the Lib Dems would split the Remain vote and hand the seat back to the Tories.
The Lib Dems will now be up against the clock to select a fresh candidate before Thursday's deadline.
Lib Dem spokesperson: "We will be selecting a candidate in due course to contest the seat of Canterbury.”
