THE National Health Action Party is calling for candidates to stand for the party at the May 2018 local elections.

Local elections are a great starting point for those with little or no previous electoral experience, says the party.

No deposit is required, wards usually cover a smaller geographical area than General Election constituencies, there are often several seats available, and plurality voting methods mean small parties have a greater chance of winning.

Dr Alex Ashman, of the NHA Campaign Team said: "These local elections are important for another reason.

"NHS England is using local Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) to devolve healthcare to a local level and force through cuts to services.

"In many cases, local councils have the power to delay or refuse to implement the STPs. "The NHA Party want to raise healthcare as an important issue at the local elections and aim to have as many local representatives as possible to influence council decisions on STPs and other NHS matters."

The deadline for candidates to apply is February 14.?

For more information on how to stand in an election for the NHA Party visit: http://nhap.org/what-you-can-do/how-to-stand/ .

For more information on STP’s visit the British Medical Association’s website: www.bma.org.uk/collective-voice/policy-and-research/nhs-structure-and-delivery/sustainability-and-transformation-plans .