A doctor who is a leading supporter of voluntary euthanasia is standing as an independent candidate in a London byelection in Kensington and Chelsea to campaign for legislation on living wills (advance directives on medical treatment).

Michael Irwin, a former medical director of the United Nations and vice chairman of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, will be campaigning in the byelection caused by the death of the Conservative MP Alan Clark.

Election rules allow candidates to post a leaflet free of charge to each household in the constituency, saving about £12000 ($19200) on postal costs to the …