“This is the remarkable story of an independent’s first ever campaign to win the Parliamentary seat of Devon East. In the 2015 General Election, lacking a party label, an experienced party machine and relying on private donations and friends, County Councillor Claire Wright, a hard-working and energetic candidate from West Hill in Devon, contested one of the country’s safest Tory seats. She won the highest number of votes, 13,140, of any independent in the UK. Only one other independent candidate attracted even 5,000 votes. Usually, independents fail to win more than a few hundred votes and their story is seldom heard.

This book offers a rare insight into what is necessary to challenge the big parties. Written by a member of the core team, it reveals the techniques and dilemmas, the problems and successes of the campaign. It explains how the independent, backed by hundreds of supporters, beat three of the four national parties. The developing drama is put into the context of the wider national political scene during the last 100 days and the immediate aftermath of the General Election is discussed.

West Hill or Westminster? will appeal to all those interested in politics, especially at grass roots level, and will be a revelation to the inhabitants of East Devon on the mechanisms behind their own election. This is the 10th book by Philip Algar. Initially an economist, he spent many years as an editor, journalist, lecturer and occasional broadcaster, working in 30 countries.