A reader says David Gauke’s decision to stand as an Independent candidate in the General Election puts his “political credibility” in question.

The South West Hertfordshire candidate lost the Conservative whip after voting to block a no-deal exit from the EU earlier this year – and says "tactical voting websites recommend a vote for him as the only candidate who can beat Boris Johnson’s hard Brexit".

But Ian Kirkham, who lives in Chorleywood, says voters elected Mr Gauke as a Tory MP in 2017 to honour the referendum result and leave the EU – and an honourable option would have been to resign back then.

He said: “He has only decided to stand as an Independent when he was sacked by Boris Johnson, which undermines his political credibility and also leads voters to believe if he cannot honour an election pledge to the leave the EU, how can he be trusted to deliver other promises?”

In response, Mr Gauke said he voted three times for a deal on Brexit that was opposed by hardline Brexiteers.

He added: “The 2017 Conservative Manifesto said we would continue to have a deep and special partnership with the EU.

“I don’t think that would be the case under Boris Johnson.”

Mr Kirkham also said Mr Gauke portrays himself as an Independent candidate and yet asks electors to vote Liberal Democrats, except in South West Hertfordshire.

He questioned whether Mr Gauke might join the Liberal Democrats if he was elected as he would have little or no influence in Parliament as an Independent.”

Mr Gauke this week released a video on Twitter in which he assured a voter he would serve as an Independent.

He told the Observer: “In this election I think I am best placed to win in this constituency. But in constituencies where an Independent candidate would not be viable to win I would lend my support to the Lib Dems so we do not have a hard Brexit.”

Mr Kirkham also asked where campaigners and funding for Mr Gauke’s election campaign came from.

He suggested that without a party structure, campaign workers might be either members of other political parties or paid campaigners.

He said party rules meant Conservative Party members could not support rival candidates, and if they were paid campaigners this would require substantial funding from political donors.

Mr Gauke said: “None of my campaigners are being paid and I have supporters from all parties and people who don’t have an interest in politics.

“I am really happy to have a diverse group of people supporting my campaign.”

Finally, Mr Kirkham said Mr Gauke “has not made it clear” whether he supports the redevelopment of Watford General Hospital or a new hospital in the Hemel Hempstead and St Albans area.

Mr Gauke said: “Right now it is not viable for funding for a brand-new hospital and there needs to be urgent investment into Watford General.

“If we were starting from a blank sheet of paper I would back a new hospital. But we are not and I am in favour for investment into Watford General and to invest in hospitals in the northern part of Hertfordshire as well for more facilities.”