AN ISLE of Wight councillor has announced his intentions to stand in the next parliamentary election.

Cllr Karl Love, councillor for East Cowes, said he felt he could 'put people first' and bring something new to Island politics.

The announcement comes after seven Labour MPs chose to leave the party and become independent MPs today (Monday).

Cllr Love welcomed the former Labour members to the family of independents and said being an independent gave him the freedom to represent his community as he wished and not by party politics.

He said: "Hearing this news today, I have decided to stand for parliament — something I feel I can do positively for our Island, putting people first.

"I have felt for sometime and been encouraged by others that I can bring something new to Island politics. Of course, it's a huge decision for me to take both personally and financially and overturning a big Tory majority will be testing.

"But I do feel I have something fresh to offer and I would not do this if I didn't think I could achieve it."