A Liberal Democratic parliamentary candidate said he aims to prevent Brexit if elected despite voting eave in the 2016 Referendum.

Cllr David Kendall who is bidding to become the next MP Brentwood & Ongar, admitted back in September that he regretted his vote three years ago.

He said that the Irish backstop with the challenge of maintaining border-free relations with Ireland was one of the many reasons that changed his mind.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming general election on Thursday, December 12, Cllr Kendall said: “I welcome the opportunity to fight the Brentwood & Ongar seat for the Liberal Democrats at this key moment in our country’s history.

“For me, stopping Brexit and the loss of trust in Boris Johnson and his Conservative government are two of the key issues at stake at this election.

“The facts clearly show that the Lib Dem go into this election as the only serious alternative to the Conservatives in Brentwood & Ongar.

“At the recent Euro Elections the Liberal Democrats came a strong second in the constituency as residents saw us as the only credible Remain party and at a local level we hold 13 seats on the Borough / District Council’s and two of the five seats on Essex County Council.”

Brentwood & Ongar constituency voted to leave with a 59.2 per cent of the vote during the 2016 referendum, with a turnout of 79.5 per cent.

Current Brentwood and Ongar MP, Coneservative Alex Burghart, has held the position since the 2017 by-election.

If elected, Cllr Kendall is also keen to improve bus, rail and health services, climate change and increase funding for special needs education.

He added: “We live in very uncertain political times and when I’ve been out door knocking I’ve sensed there is a real mood for change.

“Many residents I’ve spoken to have serious concerns about Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal and don’t trust him and his government to deliver for all the people in this country.

“Brentwood & Ongar residents have an opportunity to Stop Brexit at this election by voting Liberal Democrat.

“If I am elected as the MP I will use my knowledge and understanding of the area to champion resident’s views at Westminster especially for the young, the old and the most vulnerable in our community. I will challenge the system and hold the decision makers to account.”