Watch the Sunderland General Election candidate who campaigns on the streets in a tank

Meet the General Election hopeful who has decided against campaigning in a traditional battle bus and opted for a tank instead.
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Former soldier Dale McKenzie is promoting his bid to become a Sunderland MP by driving around the city’s streets in what he labels as his “independent think tank”.

The 8.3-tonne Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (CVR) Sultan, which he has hired for the duration of the campaign, made its debut near the Stadium of Light ahead of Sunderland football club’s recent defeat by Burton Albion.

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Speaking afterwards, Mr McKenzie, an independent candidate in the Sunderland Central constituency, said: “People were asking me if it was Sunderland's new central defender.”

Former Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REIDFormer Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REID
Former Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REID

He added: "It is a tongue in cheek exercise. I know someone who has one so I'm renting it off them for three weeks.

"It is about standing out and grabbing the attention of my constituents.

"It's a starting point for me and also a talking point among people. It is a way of getting my voice heard.”

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While he did not drive a tank while serving for nearly eight years in the Royal Signals and Royal Irish regiments during the 1980s-90s, Mr McKenzie is eligible to drive the CVR Sultan on public streets after passing his category H licence.

Former Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REIDFormer Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REID
Former Soldier Dale McKenzie, standing as an independent candidate, with his "Think Tank" . Picture by FRANK REID

The Black Cats fan said: “In the strict sense of the word, a military person might tell you that it is not a tank. But from a civilian point of view, it is.”

Mr McKenzie, who is managing director of commercial energy broker Utility Brokers, previously owned an FV432 armoured personnel carrier and so is used to driving former military vehicles around busy streets.

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He recalled: “I knew what to expect and we mainly get smiles and waves. We used to go night clubbing in it and for chips.”

Mr McKenzie, 48, of Southwick, has made fighting to close corporation tax loopholes one of his main election pledges and said: “At the top end of the scale, the corporation tax loopholes are massive. Close them and that benefits people locally with more money in the pot for education.

“Education is the start of everything. The better education you have, the better the life choices you are likely to make.”