THE Liberal Democrats have stood down in Skipton and Ripon in the General Election to make way for the Greens in a deal that makes political history.

For the first time in 25 years there will be no Lib/Dem candidate pitching in to fight for the seat on election day Thursday, June 8.

Instead they have bowed to the Green party giving them opportunity to increase their vote as part of what is called a "progressive alliance."

The recommendation comes from Skipton and Ripon Green Party candidate Andy Brown who wants "all progressives to vote Lib/Dem in Harrogate and the Lib/Dems are recommending people to vote Green in Skipton and Ripon."

His statement stresses it was not a coalition but would "offer voters a simpler choice if they are worried about a Conservative government with an enlarged majority and what that would mean for the future of the country.

"The two parties retain their own underlying philosophies, identities and policies. However, their shared aims mean that at this General Election, a shake-up of the political system is needed to ensure that a progressive voice is heard more loudly."

Mr Brown joins the contest fresh from his shock defeat of the Tories in the by-election for Aire Valley and Lothersdale, a seat on Craven district council.

What makes this deal more remarkable is that the Lib/Dems have been second to the Tories in every general election from 1992 to 2010. And for two general elections prior to1992 the Liberals were runners up.

In 2010 when Tory Julian Smith increased his majority to 30,248, the Lib/Dems slipped to fourth behind Labour and UKIP.

Joining the contest to stop Mr Smith making it back to parliament for the third time is Alan Woodhead representing Labour and young face to the Skipton contest - which has also been abandoned by UKIP - 19 year-old Jack Render.

He will be seeking votes for The Yorkshire Party, once Yorkshire First, which is campaigning for a Yorkshire Assembly similar to that of Scotland and Wales.

His party leader, Stewart Arnold said the decision by the Lib/Dems not to fight the constituency opened the way for new, young political parties like Yorkshire.

"We are a new party all the time looking to build up our support and this election is a part of that process," he said.

"Jack represents a generation of young people who feel disengaged with what the main political parties offer."

Mr Smith who has been triumphant for the Tories in two elections, said: "It has been a pleasure to represent this amazing part of the country over the past seven years.

"I'm delighted to be able to take part in these events on each side of the constituency. I hope this will give people from across the constituency the chance to engage with myself and the other candidates in this important election.’

"I look forward to making the case for five more years of strong and stable leadership under Theresa May and I'll be doing everything I can to ensure we have another five years with Theresa May as our Prime Minister.’

Labour's Alan Woodhead, who has a health service background, said electing a Tory would mean more austerity.

Labour candidates would promote investment in important and valued public services such as health and social services, education, affordable housing, libraries and a modern transport and employment infrastructure in order to kick-start the economy.