STOURBRIDGE’S Brexit Party candidate is now standing as an independent in the forthcoming general election in a bid to "take back control from career politicians".

Bodybuilder Aaron Hudson appeared to be out of the race to the polls after Nigel Farage has confirmed the party would not stand candidates in the 317 seats won by the Conservatives at the 2017 general election.

But the 31-year-old software and web developer from Stourbridge has decided to press ahead with his campaign - as an independent candidate.

He said: "This was never just about Brexit.

"This was about giving grass-roots representation and taking back control from career politicians and placing it back into the hands of the people.

"I'm not concerned about 'splitting the Brexit vote' because many of us don't believe or trust that the Conservatives will follow through.

"I'm under no illusion about my chances of winning, I'm not bothered, but I'm not giving up on people who are frustrated with what's currently on offer from the big political parties. We can shape our future.

"The message of 'change politics for good' means a lot to me, and so many others fed up with the two party duopoly. This is just one of many small steps."

The Dudley-born dad-of-three will be battling it out against Labour’s Pete Lowe and Suzanne Webb, Parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives, Lib Dem stalwart Chris Bramall and the Green Party's Andi Mohr.