A SEVENOAKS primary school teacher is hoping to win the Tunbridge Wells parliamentary seat at the next General Election.

David Hallas, 29, is standing for the Liberal Democrats in their quest to break the 35-year Tory stranglehold on the seat.

Mr Hallas was born in Maidstone and, despite spending most of his life in Kent, he does not live in Tunbridge Wells.

He said: "Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells are linked in so many ways, by sharing the same hospital, train line and secondary schools so I consider myself a Tunbridge Wells resident."

He frequently described himself as "just an ordinary primary school teacher" who has become disillusioned with politics.

He said: "I want to win this election because I want to put right the greed and selfishness that has entered Parliament."

Despite incumbent Greg Clark being odds-on favourite to retain his seat in 2010, Mr Hallas is adamant he has a good chance.

He said: "There is no doubt in my mind that it is possible for me to win. At the next election people are going to be looking for change. They're fed up with professional politicians looking down at everyone from their ivory towers. They want honest ordinary people to represent them and their interests."

Mr Hallas said his Tory opponent would have to "face up" to the MPs' expenses issue and promised he would not take a second home if elected.

Mr Hallas also said he supports the dualling of the A21 and an "effective and comprehensive local transport system".

He also maintained his party had a plan to beat the recession. He said: "We will get wasteful spending under control and give the economy a boost by cutting taxes from the bottom up.

"We'll also crack down on big business and the super rich who exploit tax loopholes and do not pay their fair share.

"We'll require the Bank of England to take house prices into account when setting interest rates and will regulate the banking system to prevent irresponsible lending and business practices."

An unfazed Mr Clark said: "I congratulate David on his selection. I've always had respect for our local Liberal Democrats and look forward to meeting him.

"Whatever our policy differences, I'm sure he, and the Labour and Green candidates, share the same motivation that I do to make our community and our country better."