A HAMPSHIRE parliamentary candidate has been suspended by his own party.

UKIP’s Fareham hopeful Don Jerrard has been suspended as a candidate for the upcoming General Elections in May.

Mr Jerrard said he had not resigned from the party and had no intention to do so.

He said a meeting on February 2 will decide if he continues to be suspended or is restored to the approved list of candidates.

Current Conservative Fareham MP Mark Hoban last week confirmed he will stand down at the elections.

Mr Jerrard, a retired lawyer, had previously stood for election as the Police and Crime Commissioner in Hampshire for the Justice and Anti-Corruption party but lost out to Simon Hayes in 2012.