HEREFORD'S Mayor has thrown his name into the general election race.

It's Our County member and county councillor Jim Kenyon is standing as an Independent for the seat of Hereford and South Herefordshire on June 8.

Cllr Kenyon wants to make the election about local issues in the county.

He said: "The election is clearly all about Brexit but I think the horse has already bolted on that issue and what it should be about is who is best to represent Hereford for the next five years.

"Who is prepared to pull their socks up and fight for the issues that are important to Hereford and South Herefordshire.

"I feel we have been left behind over many years and little Hereford has been forgotten about. Transport and infrastructure is one of the massive issues as the government should be improving the roads and motorways around the county.

"Better funding for our schools is also important and a more joined up approach to adult social care.

"I will be standing as an Independent which means if elected I would be free to vote in parliament without any party line, an honest answer to every debate and a true voice."

Cllr Kenyon has been a city councillor for six years, recently working on projects to get boats back on the River Wye in Hereford and plans to build a closed road cycle track.

"For me the election is going to be very blue but lets not make this about national politics but about local politics and what actually matters to the person on the street," added Cllr Kenyon.

"What affects me and you.

"I would have an office in Hereford and it would be very important that there is people in there who can source funding for the voluntary groups that need it.

"I feel the office should be championing the City of Culture bid which could be co-ordinated for there with some of the staff helping. If we can win that bid it would bring huge investment to the city and surrounding areas and would really put Hereford on the map.

"We should be jumping up and down shouting about Herefordshire and the fantastic area and places we have. This is the biggest job interview I'm ever going to do and if given the opportunity you won't be let down."