A candidate from the UK's only drug reform party hopes to take the Esher and Walton seat.

Matthew Heenan, 51, is standing for Cannabis is Safer than Alcohol (Cista) party, a party launched in February 2015.

Cista believes the current UK drug policy is failing and wants to secure a Royal Commission on cannabis reform to legalise, regulate and tax the drug.

Mr Heenan is a father of three teenagers and decided to stand against Conservative Dominic Raab, who has held the seat since 2010, to address an issue in society.

The party was launched by Paul Birch, who co-founded social media network Bebo.

By getting a Royal Commission, Cista believes it would benefit the Exchequer by as much as £900m, protect consumers and reduce the cost of the current policy.

Mr Heenan said: "I really believe that politics is meant to be 'for the people' and not just a chosen few. That is why I decided to stand as a candidate at this general election.

"The mainstream parties are shying away from discussing this issue. Their politicians will not be bold enough to discuss drugs reform in any details and I feel very strongly that it is my job to do this in Esher and Walton."