HALESOWEN and Rowley Regis election candidate Jon Cross - who was dropped by the Brexit Party - is to stand as an independent.

Mr Cross was due to stand for the Brexit Party in Halesowen and Rowley Regis before Nigel Farage announced his party would not contest seats held by the Conservatives, fearful of splitting the Brexit vote and boosting Jeremy Corbyn's chances.

The 58-year-old from Halesowen, who will take on Tory incumbent James Morris, was among dozens of candidates gearing up to represent the Brexit Party who were left disappointed.

Former Brexit candidate for Stourbridge, Aaron Hudson, has also announced he is standing as an independent in that constituency.

Mr Cross is one of three independent candidates standing for election in Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

The other two independent candidates are Tim Weller and Ian Fleming.

Ian Cooper is standing for the Labour party while Ryan Priest is standing for the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party is fronting James Windridge. The country will go to the polls on Thursday December 12.