HERE'S what Independent candidate Mike Rigby has to say.

I’M standing to be Taunton Deane’s next MP because we need a fresh voice, untainted by the main Parties’ failures, capable of delivering desperately needed change.

To listen to their candidates, you’d think they were nothing to do with their own Parties which have done so much damage.

Taunton has diminished commercially – huge areas of potential regeneration land undeveloped, our rivals in neighbouring towns and cities forging ahead.

Our Party-backed MPs regularly meekly obey orders rather than act in the interest of the people they supposedly represent.

Last year, the LibDem/Tory Government again offered significantly less money for Somerset’s public services than most of the rest of the UK.

Because of Party instructions, no Somerset MPs voted against the plan, which disadvantages Taunton Deane.

What’s the point of MPs like this? It’s why I’m independent.

As an independent county councillor I’ve been free to speak and act.

As leader of a small group I’ve provided effective opposition at County Hall when the LibDems have been quiet.

I’ve fought for the people I represent, forcing the Conservative administration to drop many plans which would have adversely affected my area, including selling the West Somerset Railway, and closing Bishops Lydeard library and children’s centre.

I’ve highlighted concerns about the problems in children’s services.

I’ve successfully lobbied for fibre broadband in my division.

I’m working to fix the lack of fibre broadband in Taunton town centre.

Who am I? I’ve worked for local authorities, regulating the mining and waste industries, as well as spending many years in the private sector.

I have run small businesses in Taunton Deane, employing dozens of staff.

I’m married with three children who attend the local school.

I’m a founder-member of TauntonForward and chairman of the On Your Bike charity.

Can an independent win?

Look at Dr Richard Taylor and Martin Bell, independent MPs who acted for their constituents, free from the corrupting influence of lobbying and Party orders.

Look at my performance in the county elections – I polled more than the rest of the candidates put together.

Taunton Deane is no longer a straight fight between the Conservatives and the LibDems.

The Ashcroft poll shows the Conservative vote has dropped significantly while the LibDem vote has collapsed.

This is a two-horse race between me and the Conservative candidate.

If you’re concerned about the future of the NHS, the uneven recovery and squeeze on living standards, and lack of local infrastructure improvements, or if you want someone to wake Taunton from its slumber, vote for me.

Taunton Deane has been governed at council and Parliamentary level by LibDems and Conservatives for decades, and look where it has got us.

We need a fresh approach, an independent champion.