Independent Gosport candidate, Dave Smith is pitching himself as the only truly local candidate.

Born and raised in the town, he questions the local credentials of the other candidates.

He served as a Gosport councillor for a decade, and has run the Gosport Waterfront Festival for eight years.

He said: "The time has come to free Gosport from the many years of neglect by the national parties and send a powerful Gosport voice to Westminster.

"I have a reputation in the town for honesty and integrity and for having the guts to speak the truth. People around the town tell me that's what they're crying out for."

He is against the rapid transit bus route linking Fareham and Gosport and is demanding a public enquiry into why Haslar at a 'rock-bottom price'.

He also wants to bring hotels, restaurants and top-class retailers to Gosport's waterfront and supports a new marina at Lee-on-the-Solent.

Currently, he works as a probation officer and plays drums in a local band. He has recorded a campaign song called 'Gosport For Life'.