THE Brexit Party has replaced a general election candidate after he resigned and endorsed the Conservatives hours before the deadline for nominations.

Andy Wood, who ran for Nigel Farage's party in Hove, announced at 1pm he would not compete in the December General Election and encouraged supporters to back Conservative candidate Robert Nemeth.

But after nominations for candidates closed at 4pm, it was revealed the Brexit Party had quickly nominated another candidate from Portsmouth to replace him.

Angela Hancock will now run for the party in a bid to unseat Labour candidate Peter Kyle.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Wood said he believed Conservative candidate Cllr Nemeth was "committed" to ensuring the UK leaves the EU by the end of 2020.

"Now is the time to put Country before Party and I am, therefore, announcing that I will not be standing as a candidate for the Brexit Party in Hove," he said.

"I believe strongly in the values and aims of the Brexit Party and I sincerely hope they win the seats they are contesting and are therefore able to hold Boris Johnson’s feet to the fire.

"The Conservative candidate in Hove, Robert Nemeth, has declared that he is completely committed to this pledge."

Earlier this week Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage announced his party would not compete in seats held by the Conservatives.

But Mr Wood's withdrawal is significant as the seat was last won by Labour.

Peter Kyle won the constituency in the 2017 General Election with 64 per cent of the vote.