A COUNCILLOR has begun a campaign to replace Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Shahid Malik.
Khizar Iqbal (Ind, Dews South), officially began his campaign, called Dewsbury First, on Wednesday at Dewsbury town hall.
He announced he was standing in May, when he left the Conservative party to become an Independent.
On Wednesday, Coun Iqbal said: "I have lived and worked in Dewsbury for over 40 years. I care passionately about Dewsbury and its future. I want my children and grandchildren to be proud of where they live and where they were born."
He said his policies included saying no to the European Union, more controls on immigration and the regeneration of Dewsbury.
He said: "I will work tirelessly to develop and implement a major programme of regeneration.
"I will make the strongest representations in Parliament until we get enough investment to restore Dewsbury to being a respectable town once again."
Coun Iqbal said if elected he would campaign for:
- The regeneration of landmark buildings such as Pioneer House.
- In Dewsbury town centre, a big screen for national football matches and events, a prominent water feature and landmark tributes to famous Dewsbury residents.
- A bigger basic state pension linked to earnings.
- Supporting Castle Hall School in Mirfield.
- The reintroduction of grammar schools.
- To change the UK's membership of the European Union to that of trading partner only or, failing this, leave it altogether.
- The easing of the current restrictions on UK citizens entering and visiting Britain with their spouses, children and extended families.
- A strict limit to be set on the number of immigrants entering the UK for work purposes.
- Reversing the merger of Dewsbury and Wakefield hospitals.
