Defiant Julian Knight to Run as Independent in Solihull, Criticizes Sunak Amidst Allegations and Party Suspension

Julian Knight: Ex-Conservative MP to run independently, labels Rishi Sunak a 'disastrous campaigner'

Julian Knight, currently suspended from the Tory party in Parliament, declared that his constituency would be "better represented by an independent" under a prospective Labour administration.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Friday, May 31, 2024, 6:

Ex-Conservative lawmaker Julian Knight has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election.

In December 2022, the representative for Solihull was removed from the Conservative Party within Parliament following revelations that he was under police investigation for a serious sexual assault allegation.

Mr. Knight has consistently claimed he did not commit the crime, and on April 2, 2023, the Metropolitan Police concluded their investigation without ever interrogating him.

However, he continued to be excluded from the Conservative parliamentary group because the chief whip, responsible for managing the MPs, stated that "additional complaints" had been lodged against him – accusations he denies.

Breaking news on the general election: Starmer confirms Abbott can run as Labour candidate

Mr. Knight declared his intention to contend for his position, stating that he was "pushed out" of the party. He referred to the "untrue accusation" against him, which he said is "currently under police investigation for obstruction of justice."

He shared on X: "Following conversations with my family, fellow Conservative members, and the voters I represent, I've chosen to pursue a candidacy as an Independent in the upcoming election.

Further Details on the 2024 General Election

Conservatives Commit £20 Million to Each of 30 Towns

Election Overview 2024: Comparing Energy Commitments from Labour and the Conservatives

Starmer justifies using a private jet to unveil energy proposals, asserting he won't halt oil and gas production

Associated Subjects:

"Solihull needs better than a candidate chosen by party whips who fails to understand the local concerns.

"Given that I was unfairly expelled from the party due to a completely unfounded claim, which is currently under police investigation for potential obstruction of justice, it's crucial to take a stand. Individuals should not be stripped of their roles due to untrue accusations."

Mr. Knight previously announced that he would not run for another term.

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and internationally by following Sky News.

Through multiple posts on social platforms, he criticized Rishi Sunak for his ineffective campaigning and suggested that Solihull would benefit more from an independent representative, especially under a Labour-led government.

He stated, "My focus will be on local concerns – now that the election has concluded, Rishi has shown to be an ineffective campaigner. With a Labour-dominated parliament, Solihull would benefit most from Independent representation."

During a campaign stop in Bury when questioned about Mr. Knight's remarks, the prime minister informed reporters, "Well, actually, serious accusations were made against Julian Knight, leading to his suspension from the party, which is why he is not running as a Conservative MP."

We're going to choose a different applicant in Solihull.

"And, broadly speaking, my emphasis is on traveling nationwide, like I am today, engaging with citizens to discuss the options they have in this election."

Further Information: Legislators who have declared their retirement at the upcoming national vote. Tory Mark Logan switches allegiance to Labour, stating 'a new administration is necessary.'

Mr. Knight has served as the Member of Parliament for Solihull, close to Birmingham, since 2015, securing a substantial lead of more than 20,000 votes in the 2019 general election

Nonetheless, the Labour Party has succeeded in securing significantly larger victories in recent special elections, a number of which were prompted by corruption controversies.

Mr. Knight will be contesting in the newly formed constituency of Solihull West and Shirley.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

The Conservative Party has yet to nominate a candidate in that area.

Participants in the race currently confirmed are Deirdre Fox representing Labour, Ade Adeyemo for the Liberal Democrats, Mary Ann McKenna from Reform UK, and Shahin Ashraf of the Green Party.

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels on Sky

Additional Sky Websites