Grant StClair-Armstrong will appear on the ballot paper but be an independent if he wins against Kemi Badenoch

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The Reform UK candidate Grant StClair-Armstrong has resigned after it was discovered he had previously encouraged people to vote for the far-right British National party.

StClair-Armstrong, 71, is standing for election in North West Essex, challenging the business secretary, Kemi Badenoch.

Home secretary demands ‘urgent explanation’ over ‘heavy-handed’ attempt to capture wandering animal

The home secretary has asked Surrey police to provide a “full, urgent explanation” after footage showed officers using a car to ram an escaped cow.

James Cleverly made the comments after footage posted online showed officers ramming the cow twice with their police car, while an onlooker is heard shouting: “What are you doing that for?”