The Brexit Party has said it will not contest 317 seats won by the Conservatives in the 2017 General Election.

The party's leader Nigel Farage said it was a "difficult decision to make", but felt putting forward candidates across the country could "increase the chances" of a second EU referendum.

It means that William Berry, the Brexit Party's parliamentary candidate for Watford, will no longer contest the seat in the area.

In a statement, he said: "I am pleased that the Brexit Party has decided to stand down candidates in seats that voted Conservative in 2017. I strongly believe that politicians should listen to what people are saying and here in Watford and other marginal seats in particular, we have had many people ask us to stand aside.

"Their reasons are varied but what stands out is that most just want this never-ending Brexit done and consigned to history. I am confident that Dean Russel and the conservatives will be able to deliver Brexit."

Brexit party candidates will also no longer stand in St Albans, South West Herts, Hertsmere, and Dacorum. 

Mr Farage instead says his party would focus on winning seats held by Labour.