Rayners Lane man takes on David Davies

By David Baker

Rayners Lane's very own Herbert Crossman has vowed to address issues that really matter to people if he is elected as MP for Haltemprice and Howden.

The controversial by-election, set to take place on July 10, was called by the constituency's sitting Conservative MP David Davies as a protest against anti-terrorism laws allowing 42 days suspension for terror suspects.

Now, Mr Crossman and 25 others are vying for the seat in what is believed to be the highest number of candidates to stand in a by-election.

The 60-year-old from Alexandra Avenue said: "There are more important things in life than the 42 day terror law and there are better ways of going about making a point than wasting the electorates time and money.

"People are struggling to live, what with the ever rising cost of living, petrol prices and the credit crunch.

"I agree that 42 days is too long. Two days is two long to hold someone innocent. But this is not what people are most concerned about.

"I will listen to the people's views, I'm not bound by the strings of party politics that determines what you care about. I care about the people."

Miss GB Gemma Garrett and the Monster Raving Loony Party's Mad Cow-Girl are among those on the candidacy list - which boasts 14 independents but no representative from either Labour or the Liberal Democrats.