7 months ago
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ARTICLE AD BOX
By Sam Francis
Political reporter, BBC News
The Conservative candidate for the race to become Mayor of Greater Manchester has defected to Reform UK.
Dan Barker had been selected by the Conservatives in December to challenge Labour's Andy Burnham, who has been mayor since 2017.
Mr Barker follows Lee Anderson, the former Conservative party deputy chair, who defected to Reform UK on 11 March.
In a social media post, Mr Barker said: "Delighted to be joining the new home of conservatism with Reform UK."
He added: "Reform represent the ordinary people of this country."
The Conservatives have until 16:00 BST on 5 April to select a new candidate for mayor.
English (US)