FORMER North West Tory Euro MP Sajjad Karim has taken over as chairman of the ‘Conservatives for a People’s Vote’ campaign.

It is calling for a second referendum on Brexit before the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

Mr Karim, a former Pendle solicitor who lives in Simonstone, was a Conservative MEP for the region from 2004 to May when he lost his seat in the Euro elections.

He took over leading the campaign last week having been a supporter since 2016.

His first role was chairing a 100-strong fringe meeting at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester addressed by former Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve.

Mr Karim said: “I support this campaign for a second confirmatory referendum because in 2016 after the referendum we were promised a simple Brexit and followed by immediate prosperity.

“That has not happened. We put a simple question to the people three years ago and I think we now need to put that question back to them to see whether they want whatever deal is negotiated, no deal or remaining in the EU.

“Parliament has failed to sort out Brexit and should give the decision back to the voters before any General Election.”