A row has erupted after a leading west Cumbrian Ukip councillor urged people to vote Conservative over his own party.

David Wilson, from Aspatria, is the Ukip leader on Allerdale council.

But he has today officially endorsed Workington's Conservative candidate Clark Vasey instead of Ukip candidate George Kemp.

However he has done so without the backing of other party members, who insist his comments are not the view of the local branch.

Mr Kemp described the comments as "scandalous" and is now calling for Mr Wilson to be removed from the party.

Richard Mawdsley, deputy chairman of Ukip West Cumbria in Workington, added that they do not support the Conservatives and will be fighting hard in both Workington and Copeland to win votes.

Mr Wilson said he felt it was the only way to deliver Brexit was to ensure Theresa May is the next Prime Minister.

"As the leader of Ukip on Allerdale council, I am asking people to vote Theresa May and the Conservative Party in General Election as the only way to deliver Brexit.

"Britain voted to leave the European Union in the referendum, therefore Ukip's job is done. What matters now is that we complete the job of leaving the EU," he said.

Mr Wilson called on Ukip voters to back Mr Vasey.

"Only Theresa May has the strength to secure a deal which works for everyone and I have confidence that Clark will support her in getting a deal with works for Workington and Britain," he explained.

Mr Wilson said he had yet to speak to Mr Kemp about his decision to back his Tory rival in the General Election, but was due to meet him tomorrow.

He believes the national party will back his stance.

"What the Ukip National Executive Committee told us was, if we haven't got candidates or candidates that are going to win we should advise our members to vote Conservative.

"I've got a lot of time for George Kemp. He's a good friend but I do not think he has a chance in Workington. I think Clark has a chance though, and I want to make sure Brexit goes through."

Mr Kemp stressed that he will be fighting hard to win the seat in Workington, and said Ukip supporters should not feel they have to vote Conservative. "To say I am disgusted by his comments is an understatement. That is not the view of the local branch.

"We are fighting the Workington seat because last time over 7,000 people voted for us. He's totally out of order."

Mr Mawdsley added: "David Wilson is not speaking for the branch. He's speaking purely for himself.

"We are fielding candidates in Workington and Copeland and we are going to fight hard for those seats. We do not believe in Theresa May and Brexit isn't finished until we are out."

  • The candidates in the Workington ward are Sue Hayman (Lab), Roy Ivinson (Ind), George Kemp (Ukip), Phill Roberts (Lib Dem), and Clark Vasey (Con).