John Smeaton has vowed to "create waves" in Westminster if he wins the parliamentary seat vacated by former Commons Speaker Michael Martin.

The ex-baggage handler, who tackled a suicide bomber during the 2007 Glasgow Airport terrorist attack, said he will represent the people if he wins the Glasgow North East by-election.

Mr Smeaton, 33, said a clampdown on crime is needed because gang crime is "running unchecked", while unemployment is "rampant".

However, when questioned by STV’s Political Editor Bernard Ponsonby, Mr Smeaton appeared unsure of the policies advocated by his backers. He is supported by the political reform group Jury Team. They are bankrolled by businessman, Sir Paul Judge, who is the former director-general of the Conservative Party.

Amongst the group’s policies is the right of voters to trigger a referendum. Mr Smeaton, when asked about this policy, remained silent.

The Jury Team also wants MPs pay linked to civil service grades. When asked what civil service grades an MP should be paid, Mr Smeaton simply replied : "I think they should be paid what they are due."

Mr Smeaton is the first candidate selected by the movement to stand for a seat in the House of Commons. In the European Parliamentary elections, Jury Team selected 52 candidates and won around 80,000 votes.

In his statement, Mr Smeaton said: "My message to Glasgow North East is: vote for change or stop complaining. Let us all get out on the streets and make sure everyone votes for someone who cares and who will fight for them. I know Glasgow North East, my mother worked in Possil and I spent a lot of time there, and I know the problems because I've been speaking to people about them.

"The Labour Party have had 30 years to bring investment and jobs into Glasgow North East. I haven't noticed much difference and I know from strolling round the constituency that folk living there haven't noticed many changes either.

"Well I can. And, if I'm elected, you'd better believe it: I will. I'll bring a storm down on Westminster, knock down doors and badger them until they listen. No messing. We must have someone in Parliament who knows how the public feels. I know I can do that."

"I'm angry and I'm fed up by the way politicians have been behaving. Like everybody I was shocked by the fiddling by the MPs. I reckon most of you shared the same disbelief as we watched them try to excuse their greed over expenses. It really made my blood boil."

The by-election, which will take place later this year, was triggered when Mr Martin stood down in June in the wake of the row over MPs' expenses.

Watch STV's Political Editor Bernard Ponsonby question John Smeaton

Watch John Smeaton's statement to the press