Independent councillor chosen as Brexit Party candidate to take on South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck

A South Tyneside councillor is set to stand for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party at the next general election.
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Glenn Michael Thompson was elected to the Westoe ward in May with a 77-vote majority over Labour rival Katharine Maxwell.

Only months after his victory, the independent councillor has now been selected as the Brexit Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for South Shields.

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At the next general election, he will stand against incumbent Labour MP, Emma Lewell-Buck.

Glenn Michael ThompsonGlenn Michael Thompson
Glenn Michael Thompson

Coun Thompson said: “Like many, I have become increasingly disillusioned with the current political class and the betrayal of the clear mandate from the British people with Brexit.

“Earlier this year, I decided to stand as a councillor, standing in opposition to Labour in the council and my determination to see the leave mandate honoured.

“I was successful, taking a historically strong Labour seaton South Tyneside Council.

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“Almost immediately, the Brexit Party’s call came for local people with a passion for Brexit to apply for selection as a parliamentary candidate.

Glenn Michael ThompsonGlenn Michael Thompson
Glenn Michael Thompson

“As a result I am now focused on representing the huge leave majority in South Shields, we deserve better in South Shieldsand I look forward to the imminent general election to address the lack of honour and trust in politics.”

The Brexit referendum vote in 2016 saw a 68.2% turnout in South Tyneside with more than 30,000 votes cast.

In total, around 62% of constituents in South Tyneside voted to leave.

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According to the constituency estimates published on the House of Commons Library website, the leave vote in South Shields was 62.7% while Jarrow was 61.8%.

Coun Thompson, a telecommunications engineer and local businessman, said he was “honoured ” to be selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate.

And he added the candidate selection process would not affect his ability to serve on committees as a councillor.

The Brexit Party was launched in April this year ahead of the European Parliament elections and recently revealed it had vetted 635 people for any upcoming election.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised the UK will leave the EU on October 31, without a deal if necessary.

However, it is currently unknown whether a snap general election will be called this autumn.