Independents: Anti-sleaze fighter hits campaign trail

Mr Bell, a former BBC reporter who famously won the safe Tory seat of Tatton by campaigning on an anti-sleaze ticket against shamed MP Neil Hamilton, said there was never a better time to stand as an independent.

He was on the campaign trail in Halifax alongside candidate Diane Park before holding a book signing event for his work on the expenses scandal.

Mr Bell said: "Our politicians have embarrassed us with the expenses scandal, there has never been a better time to stand as an independent.

"I'm hoping half a dozen or so independents could get elected at this election."