A FAMILY doctor leading the fight to save Huddersfield hospital services is at the centre of a drive to form a new national political party.

Paddock and Netherton GP Jackie Grunsell, 33, will speak at the first Huddersfield meeting of the Campaign for a New Workers' Party.

The campaign's aim is to form a new working-class party as an alternative to New Labour.

Dr Grunsell said: "The Save Our NHS Campaign is looking for political support to secure proper public funding for the NHS and to stop privatisation and closures.

"None of the established political parties can make that commitment.

"That's why I have agreed to speak at the meeting."

Supporters will gather in Huddersfield Town Hall's Old Court Room at 7.30pm tomorrow.

The speakers will include Dave Ellis, one of the caretakers who recently went on strike for 11 weeks at Huddersfield Technical College.

Mike Forster, a Unison union steward who has led disputes involving nursery nurses and teaching assistants, will also be on the platform.

The Campaign for a New Workers' Party was launched at the end of last year.

Its backers say they are unhappy that Labour seems to have abandoned its basic principles of standing up for public services, the welfare state and pension rights.

Hundreds of local rallies are being held to build support for the new party.