PEMBROKESHIRE Green Party has withdrawn its candidates for the upcoming snap general election.

The party said its two candidates, Valerie Bradley and Frances Bryant would no longer be running for the Preseli-Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire seats.

A party spokesperson said: “We would normally advocate 'vote for what you believe in'.

"However, with this election, given the nature of the voting system and time running out for action on climate change, the biggest threat to Green values and objectives would be a further five years of reactionary Tory government bent on austerity policies and further environmental degradation.

"In both constituencies Labour has the best chance of defeating Tory candidates and we are asking Green Party members and supporters to 'bite the bullet' and vote tactically."

Frances Bryant said: “This has not been an easy decision but the coming election is pivotal to the future of our communities.

"The return of a Conservative government would be nothing short of disastrous for our remaining public services and our environment.

"Progressive parties need to unite to defend our communities at this time and we think that a combined effort to vote tactically aimed at preventing a Tory victory is the way forward."

Added Valerie Bradley: “The debilitating effects of the renewed Tory austerity policies on our public services, education and the NHS are prospects too awful to contemplate.

"As someone committed to Green principles, to suggest voting for another party comes hard. On this occasion however it is clear that voting tactically offers the best chance for damage limitation.”

A Pembrokeshire Green Party spokesperson said: “We urge young people to make sure they are registered to vote by the deadline of May 22.

"They have a chance to participate in an election which is bound to have a serious impact on their futures.

“We would also urge progressive members and supporters of Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats in our local constituencies to think carefully about putting party allegiance to one side for this crucial election and to vote for the party with the best chance of displacing the Conservatives in the interests of making west Wales a Tory-free zone"