An independent candidate in Chippenham has said he is likely to have done more to help local society in the “last week” than other candidates have done in their “lifetime.”

Ed Deedigan is the founder of Chippenham’s Kandu Arts for Sustainable Development, which supports individuals from challenging and underprivileged environments in developing healthier and sustainable life opportunities.

His interest in politics stems from his youth, during which he was known as “Red Ed” for his involvement in anti-apartheid marches, though he has never been “politically aligned,” he says.

Mr Deedigan said: “I’ve always thought that it was a bad idea to be locked into one type of political ideology.

“Because none of them are pure, none of them - even if they are in power - carry it out.

“There’s always this amazing compromise that is not a compromise based on the needs of the electorate because, if it was, we wouldn’t have child poverty and we wouldn’t have homelessness.”

According to Mr Deedigan, these issues would remain his priority should he be elected, with a focus on reducing food waste and supporting the UK farming industry.

He explained: “It's a crime against humanity that we have poor children in this country.”

Among his proposed policies is a fixed percentage of the GDP budget allocated to education and healthcare annually, surpassing defence expenditures.

He supports the renationalisation of essential utility services, as well as the development of social housing, schools, dental clinics, medical facilities, and community initiatives.

He also advocates for a reduced tax rate of 5 per cent for essential workers, offset by closing loopholes for offshore accounts, increasing taxes on the ultra-wealthy, and imposing levies on alcohol, tobacco, and gambling companies.

Additionally, Mr Deedigan suggests banning second-home buyers to alleviate pressure on community infrastructure.

He added: “If people are worried about that, they should work with some of the homeless people I’ve worked with and realise that, possibly, they need to get their heads into the game a bit more.

The candidate described the new constituency boundaries in Wiltshire as “a con.”

He said: “The political party in power will always try and make it best for themselves.”

Mr Deedigan believes that his experience advising the government on issues related to children and communities, as well as his collaboration with town and county councils, will allow him to better represent the area in parliament.

He concluded: “Out of all the candidates, I have more relevant experience.

“I have a proven track record in helping those that need the most help.”