I'm a credible candidate, declares independent Simon Copley

The church leader, who is standing in the Rotherham by-election on Thursday as an independent, topped a vote of candidates at a hustings debate last night.

Mr Copley joined eight of the other candidates at the New York Stadium for the debate.

At the end of the programme, each candidate was asked which of the other candidates they would vote for and Mr Copley attracted three other candidates’ votes.

“Despite not being given the opportunity to answer as many questions as other parties, I was glad to see the Independents holding their end up,” he said.

“Hopefully, this shows that I am still a credible alternative in this race.”

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