Ukip loser David Watson hears poll result in Thailand after row with wife

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A Ukip candidate who missed out on a seat in Basingstoke heard the result 6,000 miles away in Thailand.

David Watson went to Pattaya, leaving his Thai wife Phattawan, 31, and three children in the UK after the couple had a dispute.

“I left her behind to consider her situation,” said Mr Watson, 51, a supporter of his party’s anti-immigration policies.

“But I’m in no hurry to go home. I have rented an apartment with a pool for six months.”

Another Ukip candidate who allegedly posted comments on Facebook referring to the Victorian belief that exercise “released tension and thus avoided homosexuality” came second.

John Sullivan had also allegedly congratulated Russia when it banned gay pride events. He came some 400 votes behind the Tory winner in Newent, Gloucs.

The father of high-profile Tory MP Priti Patel also failed to win after standing for Ukip. Sushil Patel came second to a Tory in Bushey South, Herts.

In Dorset Ukip candidate Ian Smith did win a seat, but the victory was so unexpected he did not even attend the count.

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