THE prospective Independent parliamentary candidate for Ryedale has withdrawn from the General Election race.

Martin Cruttwell, Independent,said he will no longer be canvassing for votes in this year’s General Election in a bid to become Thirsk and Malton’s MP.

He said: “Only an Independent is truly free to represent the electors and correct the constitutional errors which bring us to where we are. Yet in spite of public hostility to parties, and some sympathetic comments, I have not yet found a single person concerned enough to step up to assist me, so I am withdrawing from the contest.

“Whoever is elected must obviously relate to the local people, but they must also have sufficient political knowledge to understand world affairs and to be free to hold the Government to account. Under a party ticket that will be impossible unless they constantly defy the party whips.”

There are five prospective parliamentary candidates – Alan Avery for Labour, Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative, Chris Newsam, Green, Toby Horton, Ukip and Di Keal, Lib Dem. The General Election is on Thursday, May 2.