AN independent councillor is standing in the general election to rally against our “corrupt political system”.

Dr Marimuthu Velmurugan, an Independent Southend councillor for Westborough ward, is standing in Southend West.

The dad-of-two, 71, known as Dr Vel, said he was angry about the MPs’ expenses scandal, immigration and the way the NHS is run.

Styled as a “conservative-minded independent”, Dr Velmurugan does not believe he will be elected, but is making a stand on issues he feels passionately about.

He insists his campaign, which lists abuses by MPs, such as claiming for food and second homes and not declaring trips abroad, is not targeted at any particular individual or party.

Dr Velmurugan said: “I’m angry how these parliamentarians abuse their claims.

“Also the National Health Service has too much bureaucracy and staff.

“We should limit immigration. I’m not standing to bring anyone down or lift anyone up.

“I’m just saying what the ordinary people are saying. I will make my mark to fight against corrupt MPs “They’re the custodians of the nation, of law and order, but if you or me took public money like that, we would be in jail.”

Dr Velmurugan is originally from India, and moved to Southend 40 years ago to work in medicine. He is now a GP at the Westborough Surgery. Elected as a Labour councillor in 2001, he became an independent two years later. Dr Velmurugan added: “I won’t be elected, but I will say what’s honest.

“What impact I have will be up to the public.

“I couldn’t care less who stands.

“Nobody is my enemy. Everybody is my friend.

“You can’t replace the Conservatives in Southend West in 100 years. But what they can’t say, I, as a conservative-minded independent, can say.

“I will have no whip to control me, so I can be politically-incorrect.”

Dr Velmurugan, who is paying for his campaign out of his own pocket, stood as an independent candidate in the 2005 general election in Southend West.

He joins six people who have already declared their candidacy, including Tory David Amess, Labour, the Lib Dems, the BNP, the UK Independence Party and the Green Party.

Southend West is considered to be a safe Conservative seat.

However, Lib Dem candidate Peter Welch has been running a high-profile campaign and is expected to be the closest contender to rival Mr Amess at the ballot boxes.