Crusading MP Martin Bell predicts that Brentwood and Ongar will become an early battleground for the whole future of British politics.

The man famous for his trademark white suits is ready to fight Tory MP Eric Pickles as an Independent candidate at the next election.

The former BBC reporter, who says he is concerned about a ''denial of the democratic process'' in the constituency, has pledged to introduce a new style of Citizens Politics.

He said ''It will fire up the young. It will be the showpiece of democracy and the one place in the country where everyone wants to vote.''

Mr Bell's candidacy means Brentwood and Ongar will be one of the most high profile seats in the run up to an expected spring election.

Although it will be put under an intense media spotlight, Mr Bell, currently Independent MP for Tatton in Cheshire, pledged to keep a low profile in the constituency until the election is called.

He said: "I think it would be very discourteous to Mr Pickles for me to be stomping around all the time."

He was invited to stand by members of the local Independent Conservative Association, who allege that the official Tories have been taken over by members of the Peniel Pentecostal Church.

His supporters are already setting his campaign in motion. Mr Bell said: "My friends in Brentwood are putting together a kind of committee - we don't even have a name for it yet - which will consist of supporters from all parties and no party. This is a different kind of politics."

Although Independent Conservatives are backing him, he is anxious to be seen as truly independent and claims support from across the political spectrum.

The chairman of the committee will not be a member of the independent Tories and there will also be a £100 limit on donations to his campaign fund.

"I can raise money very easily," he said. "I don't have backers, I just know that people will come forward.

"I'm not confident of winning but I'm confident of getting money. I know the support is there." Meanwhile, the other candidates are also stepping up their election machines and will be going all out to win.

Liberal Democrat prospective candidate Cllr David Kendall said he was confident of victory and will be campaigning on the issues that matter to local people and the "excellent" record of his party in local campaigns and on Brentwood Borough Council.

Labour's Diana Johnson said: "We'll be standing on our record, nationally and locally, although we recognise there is much still to do in a hoped for second term."

And Mr Pickles said: "I'll carry on as normal. I'll be doing what I've always done, which is representing the good folk of Brentwood and Ongar. I'm certainly not going to spend my time worrying about what Mr Bell is going to do in retirement!"

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