Having looked around at the local parties, I realise I could not vote for any of the them.

Full statement

I just cannot trust the manipulation of words.

Please note: I am not offering an opinion on the candidates, just the parties they represent. Knowing a couple of the candidates through my experience as a local town councillor, they are perfectly decent normal people who want to make a difference.

I am standing as an independent, therefore what I say is what I believe. You might not like what I say, but at least you know it is my honest opinion.

I am a postman by day; in the past I have been a stock-controller, parts advisor, computer programmer and technical advisor.

In my spare time I look after my boys, usually by attending their sporting fixtures, run a table tennis club, and the elected leader of Ivybridge town Council - aka The Mayor of Ivybridge.

I plan to be always contactable, and my campaign email address is AlanCSpencer@gmail.com; constituents can also WhatsApp me on +447712896185. I will publish any questions anonymously in my website, https://www.ivybridge.club/AlanCSpencer/

Please please get to know the candidates in person, facebook words and leaflets can be misrepresented. I will be out and about during the campaign, highly visible and always willing to chat.

I will be open and honest in everything, keep a regular diary - and a regular expense bulletin.