Brexit shows Tories are back as the 'Nasty Party' says Tim Farron

The real "Nasty Party" of post-Brexit vote UK politics are the Conservatives, according to Tim Farron. The Liberal Democrat leader will claim Theresa May is willing to "play on prejudice" for her own short-term gain in a speech this evening (24 October).

"2016 has been a year in that has seen the Conservative Party's attempts to detoxify their party go up in flames," Farron will say.

"Spring saw the disgraceful, racist London Mayoral campaign.

"The summer saw a European campaign based on fear and terror, pitching community against community.

"And this autumn has seen Theresa May propose moves that will make Britain a nastier, more divided and more resentful country, with attacks on foreign doctors and students as well as checks on taxi drivers.

"I dread to think what's in store this winter. These are the actions of a Nasty Party, willing to play on prejudice for their own short-term gain."

The Liberal Democrat leader is expected to launch the scathing attack against the Tories and May when he addresses a Runnymede Trust event. Farron will warn about post-Brexit hate crime and rising xenophobia.

The Home Office recently said there were more than 5,400 hate crimes recorded in July, a surge of 41% compared to the same period in 2015.

The comments will also come after May branded Labour the new "Nasty Party" over the party's in-fighting and anti-Semitism scandals.

But May's government was heavily criticised for a now aborted plan to make businesses list the number of foreign workers they employ.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has recommitted the Tories to David Cameron's "tens of thousands" net migration target.

"The Conservatives are risking just that with their reckless obsession with overall migration numbers, instead of standing up for what's best for Britain," Farron will say.

The Liberal Democrat leader is on a high after his party secured more than 30% of the vote and a second place at the Witney and West Oxfordshire by-election last week.

David Cameron's old Westminster seat was considered one of the safest Conservative constituencies in the country until the party's majority was dramatically slashed from 25,000 to 5,700.