An Oxford GP will contest Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood’s seat in next year’s election.

Dr Helen Salisbury, who practices at Jericho Health Centre, will stand for the National Health Action Party, against the Conservative.

Dr Salisbury said: “The NHS is valued and relied on by all my patients, whatever their politics.

“I will give voters in West Oxford and Abingdon the chance to say ‘stop!’ to the politicians who are handing over their NHS to the private sector.”

The NHA Party, launched in 2012 by NHS staff in opposition to NHS reorganisation, has more than 4,000 members.