Zac Goldsmith has “just lost his last shred of credibility” by standing as a Conservative after quitting the party over the Heathrow expansion, a senior Lib Dem has claimed.

The defeated mayoral candidate will attempt to mount a comeback in the general election on June 8, after being selected as the Tory candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston last night (Wednesday, April 27).

From today: Zac Goldsmith to fight for Richmond Park seat in general election as Tory months after quitting party in Heathrow expansion protest​

He had quit the Conservatives in October, citing the party’s desire to build a third runway as the "most polluting, most disruptive, most expensive option" to increase airport capacity.

From October: Richmond Park and North Kingston MP Zac Goldsmith resigns after decision on Heathrow Airport expansion and third runway

From December: Richmond reacts to Sarah Olney's shock Richmond Park and North Kingston by-election win over Zac Goldsmith

And in the subsequent by-election was unseated by the newcomer, Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, in a by-election in November, and later quit the Conservatives.

Surrey Comet:

Liberal Democrat chief whip, Tom Brake MP (pictured above), today criticised Mr Goldsmith returning to the Tories. He said: “By standing as a Conservative after resigning over Heathrow, Zac Goldsmith has just lost his last shred of credibility.

“People in Richmond Park voted resoundingly against a hard Brexit and against Heathrow expansion, both backed by Zac Goldsmith's Conservative Party. Instead they voted for the Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney.

“Zac Goldsmith couldn’t stand on a Conservative platform last time, so what’s changed?

“As a Conservative he will be standing on a clear pro-Brexit, pro-Heathrow manifesto. The people of Richmond Park have already told him what they think of that. Sarah Olney beat him once, she will beat him again.

“If you want to change the direction of the country and prevent a hard Brexit, this is your chance.”

Surrey Comet:

Welcoming Mr Goldsmith (pictured above) back to the fold last night, constituency chairman Georgina Butler said: "After a resounding victory in the 2015 General Election, his absence from Parliament since last December has been a disappointment. He is widely regarded the best MP that Richmond Park and North Kingston has ever had, and we need him back to represent our residents effectively.

"Far from being a hardened Brexiteer as his opponents have painted him, he will fight for the best deal for Britain. He has led on guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and is a champion of strong protection for the environment.

"He will also continue to lead the fight against Heathrow expansion, an issue which continues to concern our residents."

From May: Sadiq Khan pledges to be a 'mayor for all Londoners' after victory in City Hall

Mr Goldsmith’s by-election defeat had marked his second personal setback for Mr Goldsmith in seven months, after he lost to Sadiq Khan in the 2016 London mayoral election in May.

From May: Zac Goldsmith returns to constituency amid allegations of running "racist" and "disgusting" London mayoral campaign

His mayoral campaign was criticised – even within the Tory Party – for its negative messaging and focus on Mr Khan's Muslim background.

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