Tory candidate quits over ‘ill-judged’ comments on rape case
A Conservative candidate who made "ill-judged comments" during a radio discussion about a high-profile rape case has announced he is standing down.
Former BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad was selected on Wednesday to stand for Broadland despite the controversy over his comments in 2014 saying women should "keep your knickers on".
But following heavy criticism of his selection, he said on Thursday he would be standing aside as the media attention was becoming a "distraction".
"Five years ago I made ill-judged comments during an on-air radio discussion for which I made a genuine and heartfelt apology," he said in a statement.
"However it has become clear to me that the media attention on my previous comments have become a distraction.
"For me, the most important thing is for the Conservative Party to be successful in the forthcoming election – getting Brexit done and delivering on the people's priorities.
"This is why I have reluctantly concluded I must stand down to allow one of the other excellent candidates the opportunity to win this fantastic seat."
