Fed-up Roy plans own political party

A Staffordshire entrepreneur is so frustrated by the main political parties he is starting his own movement to stand at elections.

Roy Westwood, aged 69, from Cannock Chase, who set up the successful industrial metal reclamation company Westdoor in 1985, which became Cronimet in 1999, wants to establish an independent candidate in all 628 constituencies in England, Scotland and Wales.

Now semi-retired, he says a feeling of despair at the the apparent lack of interest in public opinion displayed by politicians of all parties has forced him to try to find a new way of making Government listen to the public.

He is worried many voters are turning to extreme parties as a protest.

He said: "So many people I speak to are frustrated with the party system. They don't believe Government is listening and do not believe they have a voice. Numerous people wish to preserve the values which made Britain the envy of the world.

"They are not against progress but cannot identify with the policies of the current political parties, which appear to do everything possible to destroy the British way of life.

"I'm not pushing for another party, I'm offering a banner, which is all about opposition, bringing the Government to account.

"I'm looking for people to stand at elections, people who may only have one policy, for example on keeping the local hospital, reducing excessive taxation or ridding us of speed traps."

A website has been set up for anyone interested to make comments and enrol as a candidate.

Mr Westwood said: "There will be no manifesto, party mandate, whips, or greasy career ladders.

"We just want to harass the Government into listening to and acting on the electorate's views, to secure Britain's future.

"I have no political or financial ambitions but am strongly motivated to help people have their say. If we can get enough people involved, Government will have to take notice of us."

Mr Westwood will stand as a candidate for his own area. For more information see www.common-sense-politics.co.uk