MARK Hughes was selected as UKIP’s candidate for Harwich and North Essex at a local hustings event last year.

His political experience includes time as chairman of North Hertfordshire District Council and being elected as the second youngest mayor of Royston.

He said: “All my life I have believed in democracy and the will of the people, and I intend to campaign hard in the constituency to ensure that the views of the ordinary people are represented on immigration, European interference, and rights of local communities to decide their own affairs.

“I can connect with the majority of voters who want someone to represent them who has actually had to live and survive in the real world that we all inhabit." 

Mr Hughes, 53, who has two children, runs a financial planning service based in Hertfordshire.

In his spare time he enjoys cinema and is an avid reader and is also a qualified youth football coach and referee.