ARCH Brexiteer Chris Chope has been readopted by the Tories as their prospective parliamentary candidate for Christchurch and East Dorset.

And he will not face the Ukip challenge this time around.

Opponent Robin Grey, who stood two years ago in the general election of 2015, says he will not run again and will support Mr Chope.

Mr Chope campaigned vigorously in last year's referendum for Britain to leave the European Union.

He shared a platform at public meetings with Mr Grey in the run up to June 23.

At an adoption meeting at the weekend, Mr Chope said it would be his ninth general election.

"So I am not lacking in experience and I feel I still have something to contribute in Parliament," he said.

"At the local elections on Thursday night, Robin Grey assured me of his personal support and I am led to believe Ukip will not put up a candidate against us.

"It is a sign of how well we have worked together, not just on the EU referendum, but also on other issues facing the constituency, not least ensuring that our local councils, Christchurch and East Dorset, remain strong and independent."

He also expressed concerns over plans to shake-up local health services.

Following the death of his agent Judy Jamieson from cancer two weeks ago, Mr Chope will be assisted by the Bournemouth West agent, Wendy Keene in the election campaign.

Mrs Keene worked with Sir John Butterfill for many years before retiring around ten years ago.

The government is expected to make a decision on the restructuring of Dorset's councils after the general election.

n Meanwhile, Dorset's Tory county councillors were due to meet yesterday afternoon to elect a new leader.

At the county polls on Thursday, the Conservatives kept control of the council, winning 32 of the 45 seats.

However, the former leader Robert Gould was defeated in his division of Sherborne Town.