A CAMPAIGNING cobbler plans to stand for parliament as an independent at the next General Election.

Tony Martin, 40, aims to challenge for the Durham City seat held by Labour's Gerry Steinberg, who is retiring.

Mr Martin, of North Shields, North Tyneside, ran his family cobbler's shop, in Claypath, for many years until he had to close earlier this year because of rent arrears.

He became better known for his campaigning against local politicians and bureaucracy and his allegations of sleaze and mismanagement.

He has published a book chronicling his battles with authority, called Cobblers to the Council.

He also made an unsuccessful bid to be elected to Durham County Council when he stood in the Gilesgate area of the city.

He said: "I will be standing as an independent and I have got people who are getting support together."

He said he would campaign for open government at all levels. He said: "The people of Durham need someone to fight for them because no one is doing it now."

Mr Martin said he had also had a late-night phone call from political author and film-maker Michael Moore, who recently released Fahrenheit 9/11, which criticises US president George Bush.

Mr Martin said: "He said he had an e-mail from someone in Durham about me and had been on my website."

Mr Martin will stand against two women in the election - Liberal Democrat candidate Carol Woods, Durham City Council's cabinet member for finance, and Roberta Blackman-Woods, who was chosen from an all-female shortlist by the Labour party.