UKIP candidate Martin Costello outlines what he can offer the voters of South Swindon at this election:

I was born and raised in Swindon and really care about my town.

Having become disillusioned with politics and dismayed at how our local population are treated by our representatives at council level and Westminster, I joined UKIP to do all I can to make a difference.

I am lucky in enjoying a comfortable standard of living though my good education; however, if elected for UKIP I intend to live on the minimum wage for six months to experience what life is like on the breadline and plan to donate my surplus wage to local charities such as the foodbank.

It could be a valuable experience and help me to push the government on issues that affect those working hard and struggling to make ends meet on inadequate wages.

Having fought the council about the immoral and highest council tax rise in the country, if elected, I will ensure that the cap is reinstated to block any attempts by the council to continue raising it by unwarranted amounts annually.

Being fully committed to upholding the NHS, through UKIP we will pressure the government to end creeping privatisation. The NHS must remain a free and accessible service for all.

Also we want to see an increase in mental health funding given that the greatest cause of death in people under 35 is suicide.

As a proud Swindonian, I am sick of reading about our crumbling heritage and we want to see this protected for future generations, this is our identity and ought to be preserved. We also want to see more young couples being given the opportunity to buy affordable homes and get a good start in life.

We must do more to tackle homelessness on our streets, crack down on drug trafficking and help those who are destitute. I believe in equality for all regardless of faith, culture and background.

The Tories may well get a landslide victory, however as a determined ‘leave’ candidate for the constituency, we want to retain good relations with our European neighbours.

I will hold the government’s feet to the fire to ensure we exit the bullying EU in accordance with the democratic voice of the nation. So we need a handful of UKIP MPs in the commons to do this. Failure to do so will allow the government to push their own corporate interests.

We have already seen the two main parties fail us, so I ask you all to unite, be bold and brave and vote for UKIP in Swindon on June 8.

The days of career politicians are numbered, it is high time some of us with Swindon in our blood are given the opportunity to transform the town.

KEY PLEDGES:

Ensure the five per cent council tax cap is reinstated and block any attempts to continue raising it by unwarranted amounts.

As the only ‘Leave’ candidate I will pressure the government to ensure there is no backsliding on our Brexit negotiations.

I will make sure constituents have the final say in any Commons votes even if this conflicts with my personal view.

I will protect our heritage, ensure Swindon is no longer neglected by Westminster and fight to support local charities.