A CANDIDATE bidding to replace Peter Mandelson as Hartlepool MP last night pledged to campaign for the interests of the town and not view the job of an MP as a career.

John Bloom, the Respect candidate in the by-election said an "MP should listen carefully to the constituents and then campaign for their main concerns".

He said: "MPs should be honoured to represent the people and should not be seen as special and privileged people."

Mr Bloom, who led the campaign to protect hospital services in the town, vowed to open a town centre office five days a week, which will be staffed by a trained advice worker, if he is elected.

He said: "Most of my constituency and office work would be done in Hartlepool and I would only engage a part-time worker in Westminster.

"I believe that I should spend my weekends and parliamentary recesses in the town.

"I also give my word that I will not to accept offers of parliamentary foreign trips and junkets."

Respect spokesman Peter Smith said: "John wants to open up politics to everyone in the town and is determined to offer an honest and genuine approach to his work as an MP."