A man from Rayne will stand as an independent candidate for Braintree at the general election in May.

Toby Pereira, 36, of Gore Lane, wants to highlight flaws in the UK’s party political system.

Mr Pereira said: “I think parties should have no official standing inside Parliament, but they can still appear on ballot papers for the convenience of voters.

“We need a system that encourages independents and minor-party candidates to stand and have a real chance.”

The stand-up comedian and author of a book on philosophy also thinks the first-past-the-post voting system should be reformed.

Mr Pereira went to King Edward’s Grammar School in Chelmsford and has a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Southampton.

He worked in the civil service before being made redundant in 2013.

Other issues on Mr Pereira’s agenda include green energy, the nationalisation of train and bus services and wealth inequality.