The battle to become Harpenden’s next MP has heated up with the announcement of the constituency’s UKIP candidate.

John Stocker has been revealed as the party’s prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) for Hitchin and Harpenden in next May’s General Election.

John, who lives in Nomansland, is a former Royal Navy engineering officer and construction company owner who has lived locally for more than 30 years. His philanthropic work was rewarded by an MBE in 2008.

His previous campaigns in local politics include an attempt to oust Anne Main as MP of St Albans in the General Election of 2009, and standing for UKIP in last year’s county council elections. He said he is undaunted by taking on current Harpenden MP Peter Lilley, a former Tory government minister: “UKIP has emerged in the last two by-elections and the previous European Elections as the major force in UK politics.

“Our common sense policies, which are addressing the wishes and sentiments of the nation, should make any incumbent MP nervous regardless of their majority.”