A FORMER Labour MP will join a Dorset Conservative candidate for two days’ of campaigning ahead of next week’s general election.

Kate Hoey, herself not seeking re-election in Vauxhall, said she was “pleased” to support the efforts of Richard Drax in South Dorset.

“This election is about making sure we honour the result of the referendum and leave the European Union,” she said.

“I campaigned with Richard during the referendum campaign sharing a cross-party platform in Weymouth and am pleased to support his re-election to Parliament.”

In September Ms Hoey was one of only two Labour MPs – the other being John Mann – to vote with the Conservative government in a bid to prevent no deal being blocked.

She joined Mr Drax and then Ukip leader Nigel Farage for a panel in Weymouth in the run-up to the EU referendum in 2016.

And later this week she will spend two days with Mr Drax as he seeks re-election in South Dorset.

In the 2017 general election he was voted in in the constituency with a majority of almost 12,000 over Labour candidate Tashi Warr in second place.

“We agreed on many of the same things, especially voting to leave the EU,” Mr Drax said of Ms Hoey's visit.

“Kate joined us for a special, full house Leave evening at the Pavilion [Weymouth] in early 2016 and has long been unstinting in her backing for Brexit.

“I am grateful for her support and delighted to have her company as I campaign in South Dorset.

“She has been a wonderful MP and her intelligence and common sense have endeared her to many supporters outside Labour.

“This proves that Brexit transcends traditional politics – it is neither right nor left to care about the future of your country. It is a matter of honouring the democratic vote and maintaining our sovereignty.”

The other candidates in South Dorset for the December 12 general election are: Joseph Green (independent), Nick Ireland (Liberal Democrats), Jon Orrell (Green) and Carralyn Parkes (Labour).