Tributes as candidate for seat dies

John Boakes, who was standing in Thirsk and Malton for the UK Independence Party, died earlier this week.

Polling in the new constituency will now take place on May 27.

A UKIP spokesman said: "We were shocked and saddened to learn today of the sudden unexpected death of John Boakes.

"He was a well-liked member of the party and was of such personal high calibre we were confident he would do particularly well in the General Election. Although retired he was a hard worker and loved living in the countryside, which was always close to his heart.

"We offer our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time."

Mr Boakes was born in Kent but had lived in North Yorkshire for more than 20 years. He had previously suffered a heart attack, although it is not known what caused his death.

Janet Waggott, Acting Returning Officer for Ryedale District Council, said the effect of the death of a candidate was that the election in the constituency must be stopped and re-run.