AN INDEPENDENT candidate has launched her General Election campaign fighting to represent South Somerset from June 8.

Katy Pritchard lives in Crewkerne, is a town councillor, and works for the NHS.

She grew up in Dorset and went to university and lived in London for some time before moving to the area.

She said: "I care deeply about this area and I care deeply about how our country is run.

"I believe in a government which represents its voters. One where the needs of the people I live with are considered.

"Most importantly I believe in taking a deep breath and standing up for what is right, even when it is hard.

"'Floating voters' make up nearly half of the electorate. The outcome of the election for Yeovil is not set in stone.

"I decided to run because I realised that with my commitment and experience I could be the voice that stands up for my community, however hard a job that may be, and present a credible choice to party politics."

Her policies are:

Promote the needs of rural areas in the South West, particularly around transportation issues.
- I am keen to ensure that robust public transport is in place, and given the lack of this, I support the plans to upgrade the A303 to dual carriageway.  This area is too often over looked as central government focuses on big industry in the North East - where networks already far out-pass ours.

Support your right to make an informed choice on Brexit.
- The public have been trusted to know what is right for Britain when it comes to the EU. I believe that the final agreement should be brought to the public again, so an informed choice can be made.

Advocate investment in early years provision and reforms to schools funding to address inequality.
- A fairer country is a healthier, happier and more productive one. Time and time again research has proven that this can be achieved through investment in early years. Smaller class sizes and effective funding are core to this. I firmly believe that PHSE (Personal, Social and Health Education) should be made statutory and standardised to ensure effective education for life-long benefit.

Support sustainability initiatives and encourage brown-field development to help protect our unique landscape.
- We cannot turn a blind eye to the environment: renewable power is preferable to unsightly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Whilst there is a growing need for (particularly affordable and social) housing, this should always be sought on brownfield sites first.

Enable young people to have a say in their future.
- I am an advocate of votes at 16. Having been politically aware since childhood, I do not believe in patronising young people: their voice is crucial in directing the future of this country and listening is part of our responsibility in a democratic society.

Minimise the strain on social services by supporting early intervention programmes.
- Particularly through my mentoring work, I am acutely aware of the volume of work on social services and recognise that the best way to tackle this is through early intervention - to stop people reaching crisis points.