A FIREFIGHTER is throwing himself into the heat of the general election battle by standing in Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

UKIP councillor Stuart Henley has been chosen stand in the area for the party in the forthcoming parliamentary seat which will be decided via the ballet boxes on June 8.

Mr Henley has been a West Midlands firefighter for 19 years, as well as being a rep for the Fire Brigades Union. He has held a Dudley Council seat for the Halesowen North ward for the past three years.

He said he would fight against government cuts to services, protect greenbelt sites and ensure housing is built on brownfield land.

Mr Henley said: “I live here in the ward and work hard to help any resident in the area. I believe as someone who works in the emergency services, and not a career politician, I would be a strong voice for Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

“UKIP in Dudley Council brought about the recent trial of two hours free parking, helped save Dudley Hippodrome, and have refused all pay rises and electronic devices. We understand, as working councillors, that the cost for these has to be met by Council Tax payers.

“We are now having a General Election that has been called by Theresa May, after she promised otherwise. Your Tory MP, like many others, did not want Brexit, but now claims to support it.

“The Labour Candidate is also a Remainer, so neither will really fight for what the majority voted for.

“However, this election is not just about voting for a party, but for someone who will work for all the people of Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

“I believe I am the person that you can trust, and understand the problems that families face day to day. What you can expected from me is a 100 per cent commitment.

“In my job, I have fought many fires. I see politics as no different and I am not afraid of the heat.”