LOCAL knowledge and a national profile are two of the advantages Lib Dem Chris Huhne believes he has.

He said he has been involved in 13,000 cases from the refusal of vital NHS drugs to VAT rebates for small business.

Living in Dutton Lane, Eastleigh, he believes gives him an understanding of the issues that are important to residents and an increased national profile helps him fight for change.

Mr Huhne's priorities include tax reforms to ensure that nobody pays tax on their first £10,000 of income, economic recovery, better education for children and a shake-up of the electoral system.

He said he wants to be "the local MP with the national voice" and take the "big money" out of politics.

The dad-of-five was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for six years before becoming an MP five years ago.

Originally from London the 55-year-old studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University.

For nine years he has been living in Eastleigh with his wife Vicky, who works as a civil servant.

The granddad formerly worked as finance journalist on several national newspapers and helped set up a London team of economists to advise pension funds on overseas investments.

Currently he is shadow home secretary speaking for the party on crime, policing, immigration and terrorism.