Cruz and Kasich join forces in last-ditch effort to derail Trump’s charge

Donald Trump’s rivals are joining forces in a last-ditch effort to deny the Republican presidential frontrunner the delegates needed to win the party nomination. In an extraordinary move, the campaigns of Ted Cruz and John Kasich issued statements on Sunday night announcing plans to co-ordinate their operations in future primary contests. Mr Cruz’s campaign said it would “clear the path” for Mr Kasich in Oregon and New Mexico. Minutes later, the Kasich campaign pledged to give Mr Cruz “a clear path in Indiana”.

Having Donald Trump at the top of the ticket in November would be a sure disaster for Republicans.

Jeff Roe, campaign manager for Ted Cruz

Mr Kasich’s chief strategist, John Weaver, added: “Our goal is to have an open convention in Cleveland, where we are confident a candidate capable of uniting the party and winning in November will emerge as the nominee.” The move illustrates the growing concern amid the Republican Party that Mr Trump cannot otherwise be stopped from winning the nomination outright by vacuuming up the 1,237 delegates he needs. Trump tweeted his reaction to the deal: "Lyin’ Ted and Kasich are mathematically dead and totally desperate. Their donors & special interest groups are not happy with them. Sad!“ If no candidate has enough support by the first vote at the Republican National Convention in July, many delegates will be allowed to switch sides on subsequent ballots.

Wow, just announced that Lyin’ Ted and Kasich are going to collude in order to keep me from getting the Republican nomination. DESPERATION!

Donald Trump tweets his message

Cruz Kasich