The UK Independence Party is a political party which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. We have only managed to get to this point with thoughtful management and well-planned campaigns in recent years.

Our primary function is to contest as many Westminster and local elections as resources available allow.

We are conscious that the sensible "right" in British politics are regrettably fragmented and chasing support from the same pool of voters.

Our Deputy Leader and Party Chairman have taken the lead in seeking to resolve this impasse by being continually willing to engage in dialogue with other parties of a similar hue with a view to establishing some common ground in terms of electoral strategy.

With this spirit in mind UKIP have decided that we will not contest the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by election on 5th October.

We urge our supporters in this constituency to vote for the Reform UK candidate even though Reform UK appear unwilling to enter into our well-intentioned discussions.

This is a "one off" act of goodwill on our part which shows our commitment unlike that of others is to protect this country from the horrors of a socialist government whether lead by Mr Starmer or Mr Sunak.

The liberal right needs to stop challenging one other and turn our limited weaponry against the real enemy- the Globalist elites who are currently in charge.

Janice MacKay

National Campaign Manager