THE independent leader of a North Yorkshire council is to fight the general election in William Hague’s constituency.

John Blackie, for 11 years leader of Richmondshire District Council, will stand as an independent in the Richmond constituency in the general election in May.

The seat has been held since 1989 by former Foreign Secretary William Hague, who announced his intention to stand down last year.

He will be replaced by Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Rishi Sunak.

Mr Blackie has lived in the constituency since 1985. He runs businesses in Richmond, serves as a county councillor as well as the leader of the district council and is involved in various voluntary projects.

He said: “My experience of dealing with the civil service and politicians in London is they very often lack any comprehension of the issues of a rural area like our constituency.”

Mr Blackie said he was particularly worried about the future of health care in the area.

He added: “When so much of what we have enjoyed here in the constituency is under threat from the ravages of austerity, I feel it is the right time for our interests to be represented in parliament by an MP who will focus primarily on local issues.”