Colin Hobbs believes the best interests of the people of Wales will be served by independent politicians who put their communities before political parties.

After more than 30 years public service he has chosen to stand as an Independent to fight for the communities of South East Wales.

His priorities will include fighting for a fairer distribution of better-paid job opportunities and improved investment in public services, particularly health care, transport, housing and education.

"As a councillor I was often subjected to New Labour Party pressure to vote on issues that I felt were not always in the best interests of the people I represented," he explained. "My conscience would not allow me to continue and I withdrew from party membership.

"As Chief Officer for Caerphilly and Gwent Community Health Councils I was acutely aware of people's concern about the delivery of NHS services.

Rationing of drugs and treatment is a principle that is no longer acceptable," he said.

Another concern is to provide more affordable housing for young people. "Many young adults have little chance of owning their own home in the areas where they were brought up. The Assembly must do more to support social housing and tenants associations."

He is backing an action group opposed to plans to build a waste processing plant near the site of the new Caerphilly District Hospital at Ystrad Fawr and residents concerned about the proposed redevelopment of Caerphilly town centre.

"These are examples of local groups whose voices are not being listened to," he said. "People are frustrated at the way they are unable to penetrate the corridors of bureaucracy.

My job will be to ensure the doors are opened wide."

Another concern is the government's plan to introduce a trial road-pricing scheme in Gwent. "It will mean drivers having to pay a pound a mile on their journey. The scheme is not the answer and my priority is to get it withdrawn," he said.

Colin believes that Wales must receive a fairer share of central government funding. "Funding must be based on need and not simple population numbers," he explained.

"Elderly people have been short-changed by both London and Cardiff Governments. Powers must be extended to the Assembly in Wales, as has happened in Scotland, to show that we really do care about the massive contributions our elderly people have made to our society."