AN independent candidate from Knutsford will contest the Tatton seat at the General Election on June 8.

Quentin Abel, managing director of packaging company APC Overnight's Manchester arm, threw his hat into the ring ahead of the May 11 deadline.

Mr Abel, who lives in Knutsford with his wife and two children, said: "I see the main role of an independent MP to be a local MP for local issues in the area.

"We don’t need political slogans, we need a pragmatic, honest approach to the problems that face our society.

"I believe that people spending our money should be accountable for it, to us.

"I also believe that if regulations are being made that will affect us, we should have our say and the right to say no, if needed."

Mr Abel says his key concerns are proposed cuts to education funding, accelerating climate change, job prospects in the changing economy, the lack of affordable housing and rising immigration.

He also says a reformed EU would be 'in everyone's interest', and believes in the sovereignty of Parliament.

He added that he supports the provision of free healthcare 'with no questions asked at the point of need'.

Mr Abel, along with all four other candidates, will be present at the Guardian's exclusive hustings event, to be hosted by Knutsford Academy on Friday, May 26.