Former Apprentice winner throws hat in ring for safe Labour seat

The Hull-born business consultant and Sky News pundit returned to Hull today to start her campaign in the safe Labour seat vacated by party big beast Alan Johnson, who has stepped down ahead of next month's poll.

Dewberry said she had been called "crazy" for standing in a seat in West Hull and Hessle "that's always been Labour", but she said she felt the party "no longer represent us."

She said: "Brexiteers like me are told we have to vote Conservative to secure Brexit — but I feel uncomfortable with too many of their policies. When it comes down to it, are the Tories really on our side? So many of us feel disillusioned with politics, or don’t even vote anymore.

"I have decided to do something about all this. As a result, I am standing as an Independent candidate in my home seat of Hull West & Hessle.

"I’ve been told that I am crazy for trying to fight a seat that’s always been Labour. But why should politics be reserved for the big boys? I truly believe that it is time for change and for things to be shaken up."

Dewberry, who is asking for donations to fund her campaign, said politics should be more "pick and mix" and wants to see "more ordinary people in politics and more diverse voices."

She will be standing against Labour candidate Emma Hardy, the Lib Dem's Claire Thomas, UKIP's Gary Shores and Mike Lammiman of the Green Party.

The Conservatives have yet to announce their candidate.