Evie Martin, who stood as the Brexit candidate for Sittingbourne and Sheppey in the last general election, has joined the Liberal Democrats.

She said: “Although I disagreed with the Lib Dems on Brexit, I have always supported their key policies on electoral reform, environmental improvements and affordable housing."

Cllr Ben J Martin, (no relation) the leader of the Lib Dems on Swale council and who stood against her in the December election, said: “The Liberal Democrats exist to build and safeguard a fair, free and open society in which no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

"Evie shares these values. With the UK now in the Brexit transition period, I'm delighted to welcome her to the Liberal Democrats and am very much looking forward to working with her.”

Evie lives in Faversham with her three daughters and Lib Dem Swale council husband Cllr Ben A Martin.

She said: "I have received a warm welcome from my new Lib Dem colleagues and am really looking forward to working with them to make Faversham and the wider Swale area an even better place to live.”

Mayor of Faversham and Priory Ward town councillor Alison Reynolds said: "I have known Evie for many years as someone who is very committed to our community. I look forward to seeing her energetic contributions to the local Liberal Democrats."

Swale Lib Dems' chairman Mike Henderson said: "I’m very pleased that Evie, and people like her, are keen to continue to move forward and begin to heal the divide caused since the referendum.

"Evie has pledged to roll her sleeves up and crack on with reuniting our community while also working to support local Lib Dem campaigns.”

Mrs Martin was the Brexit candidate until ordered to stand down by leader Nigel Farage because Brexit supporter Gordon Henderson was re-standing for the Conservatives. He went on to win.

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