As campaigning for the General Election draws to a close we meet the Independent candidate for the North Wiltshire constituency.

VILLAGE pub landlord Giles Wareham said he will stand again in the General Election – whether or not he picks up enough votes to see the return of his deposit.

The landlord of the Rising Sun in Christian Malford was a surprise addition to the North Wiltshire candidate list, standing as an Independent. He joined the race just a month ago, after his frustrations with politicians were brought to a head by the ITV leaders’ debate.

Mr Wareham, 68, said he had enjoyed the experience, and had last week had the chance for some friendly rivalry when Conservative James Gray took his campaigners to the Rising Sun for lunch.

Mr Wareham said he has done more “pub and business stepping” rather than door stepping with his three main campaign issues: keeping local pubs going, getting a fair price for milk producers and saving the NHS from privatisation.

He added: “It has brought people into the pub out of curiosity.

“I think I’ve picked up a good bit of support from young farmers, people in the village and publicans.

“I’ve absolutely no idea what will happen with the results. I think the Lib Dem man will do better than expected. The doctor has done a lot of work for years in terms of door banging. I think it will be close.”

He said he was not sure if he would see his £500 deposit again.

“Even small parties haven’t got it back, I hope I do, but I’d do it again,” he said.

“It’s the opportunity of bringing change. And next time I will start earlier and be more organised.

“It is a protest that hopefully will grow. Instead of sitting around complaining, go out and do something. If you believe in something you should protest.”

He thought the hustings were “great fun”, though said he did find the Malmesbury one a tad nerve-racking as it was recorded for BBC Wiltshire radio.

His comment on the NHS was applauded.

“My idea is that it should be taken out of a five year cycle and put into a much longer 15 to 20 years all-party programme,” he said.

“It is too important to be a political football.”

FACT FILE

Age: 68

Address: Rising Sun, Station Road, Christian Malford

Occupation: Pub landlord

Marital status: Married

Children: Three

Also standing in the seat are: Labour: Peter Baldrey, UKIP: Pat Bryant, Green: Phil Chamberlain, Conservative: James Gray, Independent: Simon Killane and Lib Dem: Brian Mathew.