HEALTH campaigner Richard Taylor has been accused of navete by his Labour rival, Wyre Forest MP David Lock.

Mr Lock said the retired consultant, who intends to stand for Parliament, had "effectively admitted that his actions would be in vain".

"Dr Taylor has suggested all he can do in respect of changes at Kidderminster General Hospital is to kick up a fuss," said the MP.

"This attitude is very nave, but more importantly it's potentially very damaging to the prospects of local people.

"By kicking up a fuss he would isolate himself from the responsible politicians by showing that he is unwilling to work with anyone."

In reply, Dr Taylor said he could not promise to restore services at Kidderminster but he hoped "improvements" were still possible.

"It might be a nave view in Mr Lock's view, but I'm not ashamed of it," added Dr Taylor.

"I would fight to the last to prove that this beloved country is still a democracy.

"Martin Bell has effectively lain to rest the myth that an Independent MP is powerless."