FORMER anti-sleaze MP Martin Bell rallied support for election hopeful John Stevens yesterday at a time, he believes, when it is a “great opportunity” for independents.

Former war correspondent and independent MP Mr Bell joined John Stevens, who is standing as an independent in Buckingham, on his campaign trail around the county.

They met people in the High Street of Princes Risborough which will be part of the Buckingham constituency in the next election and where John Bercow is standing for re-election as speaker of the House of Commons.

Mr Bell said: “I believe it is a brilliant opportunity for independents. There is a real opportunity here. What I am hoping there will be a house of independents in the next House of Commons.

“Extraordinary things are happening out there. I am not saying it will happen I am saying it can happen.

“I think it is doable. It is a very short amount of time to make an impact. There is a feeling in the air of great uncertainty. There is great anger against the political class.”

Some residents are unhappy that the three main parties are not challenging Mr Bercow, which is in keeping with Commons tradition.

Mr Bell added: “I am just an honest bloke who cares about honest policies. I think we need really good, really trustworthy MPs who we will not be embarrassed by.

“I think there are independents and independents. John Stevens has integrity and experience.”

Mr Bell defeated MP Neil Hamilton for Tatton, Cheshire in 1997. He said: “There were nine or ten candidates when I stood. One was a seven foot transvestite on stilts. A high profile candidate can bring out all kinds of stage people.”

He added he was pleased to visit Princes Risborough as his father lived there when he married his mother.

UKIP Nigel Farage is standing along with three other independents- Patrick Phillips, Geoff Howard and Debbie Martin. British National Party Lynne Mozar is also standing.

Richard Jones made an appearance dressed as 'Ukipper' with a sign reading '£2m expenses'. He said he is highlighting UKIP's 'fishy expenses.'

He said: “There is £2million in associated expenses that they have claimed from the European parliament.”

Nigel Farage said: “The Ukipper is absolutely ludicrous. I have received less expenses than almost every other British MEP.

“Can Mr Stevens tell us how much he received in his 10 years? It will be more or the same as mine.

“I said I had received staff payment over 10 years but I have not received them myself- they were given to staff.

“To say I have received that money is entirely wrong.”