One Hertfordshire retailer had more riding on the outcome of the general election than most - he was the UKIP parliamentary candidate for Hemel Hempstead.

Barry Newton, who runs Malcolms News in the town, polled 1,518 votes. The Conservatives gained the seat from Labour with a majority of 499.

Barry’s vote was up 50% on the previous election, when he also stood as a UKIP candidate. He said: “Our vote helped get Labour out in this area but, unfortunately, Tony Blair got back in - and that’s not good for small business as it will mean more European regulations.

“We would do away with 100,000 regulations and decide the future of the country through local referenda.”
At 69 years of age, Barry is retiring from national politics, although will continue to chair the local party. He is also selling his shop.