A REFERENDUM on Europe, reviews of NHS middle management and stricter immigration laws are among the top priorities of independent Stroud parliamentary candidate Alan Lomas.

Mr Lomas, 91, who is thought to be the UK’s oldest candidate in the election, is also calling for a review of our military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan and an even tighter reign on MPs' expenses.

"I would not be shy in asking the appropriate questions in the Commons that were relevant to the wellbeing of the electorate," he said.

"I certainly could not be bought with expenses."

Mr Lomas’ political career spans decades – beginning after the Second World War when he joined the former Liberal Party.

He received 67 votes when he stood as a BNP candidate for Nailsworth in the 2008 Stroud District Council elections but left the party last year when he became disenchanted with some of their policies.

Detailing his top concerns as Stroud’s successful candidate, Mr Lomas said he would lobby against Britain’s involvement in Europe until an official referendum was held on the issue.

He would also call for full details as to why a previous referendum was not delivered under Blair’s Labour Government.

Elsewhere he said many middle management posts in the NHS were in need of ‘severe investigation’ and added that cases of malpractice and neglect were having to be dealt with too frequently by the courts.

"I have no criticism of doctors and nurses," he said.

"But there are too many cases being dealt with under the law due to patient unease."

When asked if he agreed with Britain’s involvement in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, he said: "I do not disagree with war but I do disagree with the methods and causes of this war.

"We should be told what is underlying it and until we are told I believe it is unlawful."

The return of capital punishment in schools at the discretion of teachers is among Mr Lomas’ educational preferences, which also includes more flexibility within the current curriculum to allow schools to focus on the natural abilities of children.

He added that he agreed with recycling and the development of renewable energy sources, as long as they were ‘reasonably economic’.

Spouses who care full-time for sick loved ones, he argued, should be offered more support in proportion to their wealth and what they contributed in taxes during their working lives.

Asked why he broke off from the BNP to stand independently, he said: "The party is divided between the ancient and the modern.

"Whereas I support some aspects of their policies, others are way out of date and unacceptable."

Biography.

Former electrical engineer Alan Lomas, 91, has lived with his wife Valerie in Far Oakridge since moving to the county from north London in 1979.

He practices yoga between four and five times a week, is an avid tennis player and enjoys gardening.

A former Chalford Cricket Club member, he previously owned is own rabbit farm.

He has two stepchildren and three of his own from a previous marriage.