The launch of a new political party will see a husband and wife go head-to-head.

First-time prospective councillor John Mansfield is going up against wife Barbara Mansfield, who is standing again as a Conservative for the Cricket Green ward, Mitcham in the local elections next month.

Mr Mansfield is one of three candidates who formed the Mitcham Independent Party last week.

Mr Mansfield said he likes a challenge and said there is rivalry in the house at the moment, with the elections only weeks away.

The party, registered with the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, April 15, pledges to address shortages in school places, lorry movements in Church Road and fly-tipping in the town centre.

Mr Mansfield said the party wanted to reduce council tax but have not had time to look at the figures yet.

He said: "We want to get Mitcham independent before Scotland.

"So we’re not tied to a party, to a central office.

"We want to fight for Mitcham people."

The Mitcham Independent Party will launch its manifesto on Tuesday, May 6 at Mitcham Parish Church in Church Road from 7.30pm to 9pm.

The party is made up of Alan Hutchings, a businessman and activist who has lived and worked in the Cricket Green ward for 45 years, Mr Mansfield, chairman of the Mitcham Society and businessman Stuart Morrison.

The elections will be held on Thursday, May 22.