Oncologist to stand against prime minister in general election

The National Health Action (NHA) Party has announced its 12 candidates to stand against high profile members of the UK government at next year’s general election.

The party, formed by doctors and campaigners in 2012 to defend against the negative effects of the coalition’s healthcare reorganisation,1 aims to unseat MPs from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties, which, it believes, have damaged the health service since being elected in 2010.

The south London GP Louise Irvine, who led a successful court battle against the health secretary for England, Jeremy Hunt, over the proposed closure of Lewisham Hospital’s emergency department,2 will stand against Hunt in his South West Surrey constituency.

Other candidates include the oncologist Clive Peedell, the party’s co-leader, who will stand against the prime minister, David Cameron, in his Witney constituency. Other …