THE Countryside Party could bring a breath of fresh, country air into the stuffy world of British politics. It will certainly cause a stink in both the Labour and Tory hierarchies.

The party has been created to give rural residents the voice that many feel has been denied them. If it avoids the mistake of the Countryside Alliance, which became little more than a front for the pro-hunting lobby, it might yet prove to be a significant electoral force.

Political success is powered by voter disenchantment, and there is certainly plenty of that in the countryside.

Farming has been in crisis for years. Britain's animal welfare regulations lead the world but they make domestic meat uncompetitive. Food scares, over-production and the strong pound have combined to drive many farmers to bankruptcy. All this has a knock-on effect on the shaky rural economy.

The growing trend towards social and geographic isolation also merits urgent action. Public transport is utterly inadequate in many areas. Villagers without cars are trapped, save for the occasional bus service to the next town.

It is not as if residents can meet their needs on foot. Village shops and pubs are disappearing at an alarming rate. The Evening Press Counter Attack campaign made it clear that post offices are essential to smaller communities, yet many of these are also threatened with closure.

These are just a few issues for the Countryside Party to address. Its leaders are expecting widespread support, as many rural residents feel the political giants have failed them.

This is embarrassing for New Labour, still seen as an urban movement governing for city and townsfolk.

But it is devastating for the Tories, once seen as the natural party of the countryside.

William Hague has been so busy chasing votes in Labour's heartland that he has neglected his own.