INDEPENDENT parliamentary candidate Chaka Artwell, pictured, said he was disappointed with the lack of support he received from Oxford East constituents.

The Barton resident won just 0.32 per cent of the votes, finishing in sixth place and losing his deposit at the General Election.

Mr Artwell, who received 160 votes, said as MP he would have lobbied to stop the Treasury paying daily interest charges to banks to help end austerity.

But he said even though residents did take him seriously, they did not have the ‘courage’ to support his policies.

Mr Artwell, who said he had hoped for at least 300 votes, added: “I’m awfully pleased I took part in the experience.

But I’m disappointed that the number wasn’t higher.

“I’m not surprised Labour retained their seat. I’m independent. I’m a loner.

“It takes courage to back a big idea. People did not have the courage to go for my ideas.”

Mr Artwell said during his campaigning he found it “upsetting” Oxford East constituents wanted to “stay safe” and support Labour.

He added: “We are really sheep. We love going for what the herd is going for. We follow each other.”

The candidate said he will consider standing again at the next General Election and would like to encourage more people to follow in his footsteps.

Mr Artwell added: “I believe the time for independence has come. We need more people to stand for independence.

“I think the time for big party politics has passed. We have got to start somewhere.”