NORTHWICH businessman Mike Cooksley, has announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate for Weaver Vale at the General Election.

Mike, who stood as an independent candidate in the 2001 Election, is again supported by Martin Bell, former MP for the Tatton constituency.

Mike, a former accountant at Winsford Urban District Council, has held a number of voluntary public positions, including chairman of the Weaver Valley Management Board, chairman of Visit Cheshire and Chester and a member of the Northwich Vision Board.

The 63-year-old attended Rudheath Primary School and Sir John Deane’s Grammar School, and his lived most of his life in Rudheath, Lostock and Cuddington.

He said his decision was the result of requests from constituents for him to stand as a ‘credible alternative to the mainstream party politicians’.

He said: “The failure of the mainstream political parties to connect with the electorate has meant that many people feel unable or are unwilling to vote for them. But rather than just attracting the protest vote I want to give voters a credible alternative – someone that will champion the cause of Mid Cheshire and represent constituents as a true independent.

“The increasing possibility of a hung parliament means that independent MPs will have an important role to play, particularly in reforming the present parliamentary system that has let so many people down.”

He added: “We are already seeing our town centres and rural villages in decline and as the inevitable cuts impact on local services and job prospects still further, the fight to ensure that mid Cheshire doesn’t lose out won’t just be in Westminster but here locally.

“It will need someone with local connections, a real in-depth knowledge of the constituency and someone that understands local issues, a true champion of the people with the vision, foresight, experience and the ability to get things done – representing constituents in a truly Independent manner.”