A new political party dedicated to the interests of senior citizens has been formed in Essex.

Chairman of the Grey Party, Dunmow based Len Overy-Owen, said the new party had been accepted by the Registrar of Political Parties and hoped to field at least two candidates in the county at the next general election.

"We hope to motivate the 11 to 12 million people who will be the grey vote, whether we have candidates or not, to look for someone to vote for who is going to be useful to them," he said.

Secretary Jesse Pryke said: "The Grey Party is now proceeding with fund raising and meetings to establish a 'Think Tank' and support group to assist all seniors in their continuous fight for recognition and survival.

"The Grey Party believes that pensions are our right, not a reward for being old.

"We are against forming two or three classes of pensioners. We detest the means test and sincerely believe that the state should pick up the bill for personal care."

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