Jeremy Hosking, the multimillionaire financier who donated over £1.5 million to Vote Leave, has pledged to fund a campaign to oust almost 140 pro-remain MPs in the upcoming general election. He aims to ensure there is 'no backsliding on Brexit' and to give Prime Minister Theresa May 'an army' of pro-Brexit MPs.
Hosking is offering up to £5,000 per candidate in 138 constituencies where most voters backed Brexit but are represented by an opposition remain MP. The total potential bill is around £700,000. The campaign will focus on Labour heartlands in the Midlands and northern England, where Hosking hopes traditional Labour voters will 'hold their nose and vote Tory' to deliver Brexit.
The move is designed to exploit divisions in Labour over Brexit and to secure a 'full, national Brexit' rather than a 'City of London Brexit'. Hosking believes new Tory MPs from traditionally Labour-held seats will help safeguard a hard Brexit, including leaving the single market and imposing immigration controls.
Meanwhile, the pro-EU group Best for Britain, led by Gina Miller, is backing 16 candidates who vow to keep all options open if May negotiates a bad Brexit deal. The group will provide financial help and local advertising to support candidates like Clive Lewis and Nick Clegg.
