Independent Candidate for Mansfield Revealed

Mansfield Independent Forum selected its parliamentary candidate for the upcoming general election this month. Former district councillor André Camilleri is promising to put “people before politics” as he prepares to go up against the town’s long standing Labour MP Alan Meale.

The announcement was made on August 7th at Mansfield’s Field Mill football ground. Among the priorities for the forthcoming election outlined on the group’s website were: reduced crime; better healthcare; and better education and support for children in the district. 

Mr Camilleri said his vision was “to bring honesty, openness and a promise to put what’s best for Mansfield ahead of party politics.” Speaking to the Independent Network the 60-year-old said: “I am very happy to be selected. Mansfield is a hotbed of independents and we have a good chance of winning the seat.”

The Independent Forum took control of Mansfield District Council in 2003 and has since gained six county councillors as well as maintaining Tony Egginton as Mansfield’s executive mayor. 

Mr Camilleri added: “I want to lift the profile of Mansfield and to get the education system sorted out. 
“What we have done as an independent group is, we have got rid of the mayor’s car, the junkets and free food and we’re looking to reduce the number of councillors. People want a change around here and I think independents can make a real difference.”