Veteran Southport journalist Martin Hovden writes: Southport’s teenage Brexit Party parliamentary hopeful Darcy Iveson-Berkeley (pictured) has been caught up in the confusion over whether leader Nigel Farage will ask some of his candidates to stand aside to help the Conservatives.
With the general election now set for 12 December, there has been much speculation as to whether the Brexit Party will withdraw their candidates in Tory-held constituencies.
Tory MP Damien Moore currently has a 2,900 majority in Southport and is facing a bruising battle with Labour and the Liberal Democrats. If the Brexit Party contests the seat, it’s likely they will draw votes from the Tories.
Nineteen-year-old Darcy, a former Tory activist who campaigned for Mr Moore in the 2017 election, posted this message on Facebook just two months ago: “I for one am prepared to stand down as I will always put country before party.”
However, when I asked Darcy this week whether this is still his view, he said: “In regards to standing down, that is out of my hands. It is up to the party, but I am willing and ready to fight an election.”
So you’ve changed your mind?
“We, The Brexit Party, are ready to fight an election.
Trust in politicians is at an all-time low at the moment, Darcy, please answer my question: have you changed your mind?
“I am aware of this, Martin. I am no politician, I am simply a Sandgrounder who wants a clean break Brexit. Things will be clearer in the next week, but as I said I am election ready.”
So you are NOT going to stand aside to help Damien Moore – unless the party tells you to? Is that a fair and accurate reflection of your current position? I just want to give you a fair hearing, Darcy.
“I appreciate that, Martin, thank you. An election has only just been called, things are very much up in the air at this present time. But let it be known #WeAreReady.”
So you’ve changed your mind?
“No, I haven’t changed my mind, but I am keeping a close eye on the polls over the next week.
“When I posted that statement in September, we were promised that we would be leaving on October 31st, obviously that isn’t happening.
“As well as that, Boris has put forward the second worst deal in history. We The Brexit Party want a Clean Break Brexit – what Boris has presented us with is not Brexit.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
“No, I think I’ve said everything I’ve got to say. Thanks Martin, speak soon.”
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