A well-known hospital campaigner has announced he intends to stand as an independent parliamentary candidate in the upcoming general election.

Consultant obstetrician and chairman of the Save Withybush Action Team (SWAT) Chris Overton declared his intention to stand and form a new political party yesterday (Sunday).

Although the NHS in Wales is run by the Welsh Government Dr Overton will fight for a seat in Westminster.

“I, Chris Overton, Chairman SWAT, intend standing as an independent prospective parliamentary candidate in the Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency for the "Independent Save Withybush Save Lives" Party which has just been registered. I hope to be able to deliver my nomination forms this week.

“The big two need to be told in no uncertain terms that they can't take away Pembrokeshire's lifeline and not pay the price.

“I genuinely believe that there is an unwritten agreement between Labour and Conservatives to create a situation where the NHS is encouraged to fail. There is a plan somewhere at Westminster to only provide emergency care and cancer care within 10 years. The Labour led Welsh government seems to be party to this.

“I want to be elected to do some digging and expose that plan. Withybush is part of that plan and yes at first glance it is down to the Welsh Assembly but remember the last time in 2006 Labour was in dual control. Since the coalition there has been no change of direction. When Labour came to power in 1997 we all thought the changes brought in by the conservatives would be reversed not accelerated!

“I want to change the direction of travel.”