John Cryer, the Labour candidate for Leyton and Wanstead, has rejected Ukip’s “so called endorsement” of him, after the anti-EU party decided not to run in the seat.

Ukip called on their members to back Mr Cryer, who campaigned for Leave, to try and ensure as many pro-Brexit MPs get elected as possible.

But the Labour candidate, who has represented Leyton and Wanstead for the last seven years, said this was a “convenient cover for their current malaise”.

“Ukip are a busted flush and simply do not have the candidates or resources to run in Leyton and Wanstead,” he said.

“I do not accept Ukip’s so called ‘endorsement’ of my candidacy.

“If reelected I will continue to fight for our local services, NHS and the values of tolerance and respect – things which could not be further from Ukip’s agenda at this general election.”

Liberal Democrat nominee Ben Sims attacked Mr Cryer for being the “Ukip candidate”.

He said: “John Cryer is welcome to their endorsement. They have been trying to introduce their divisive and hateful policies into British politics for years.

“Leyton and Wanstead is a fantastically diverse place, and I look forward to being an MP that represents all residents and will celebrate that diversity.

“This election is a clear choice between me and a hard Brexit supporting, Ukip backed Labour MP.”