A doctor is braving the wind and rain to devote his Sundays to sitting outside a Kent MP’s office.

Margate eco-activist Chris Newman has pitched up in front of Conservative politician Craig Mackinlay’s base in Broadstairs over the last three weekends.

The 41-year-old set his sights on the South Thanet Tory because of his stance on climate issues and the government’s net-zero targets.

And the NHS GP is vowing to continue with the demonstrations until Christmas – despite the fact many passers-by are unwilling to even look his way.

“Two weeks ago it was absolutely pouring with rain, and I was kind of quivering behind the awning,” Mr Newman said.

“My sign got wet, it was so gloomy, and it was dark by 3pm because the clouds were so black.

“I get quite a lot of thumbs up, toots of the horn, smiles, waves from the car – but also lots of people walk past not making eye contact.”

Mr Newman sits outside the building with a sign bearing the question “society needs climate activists - what do you think?”

Few have stopped to speak to him, as “it’s not the busiest location for pedestrians” – but he is making efforts to entice passers-by into conversation.

“One person flicked the Vs at me through a car window,” Mr Newman continued.

“They were young lads, so I don’t know how serious it was.

"But that was one person and everyone else has been positive, apart from the ones who just don’t look or say anything.”

He says his “original intent was not to protest Mr Mackinlay, but to try to engage people in conversation about climate change”.

However, he is critical of the parliamentarian’s stance on climate issues.

The politician is a founder and chair of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group of Tory MPs, which is opposed to the government's net-zero targets, and supports the continued use of domestic fossil fuels.

“I don’t think it’s a good use of time to engage with Craig Mackinlay, I’ll be honest," Mr Newman added.

“He seems to have a very entrenched view on this.”

Mr Newman, along with six other health professionals, was acquitted in court of charges under the Public Order Act for blocking Lambeth Bridge in April.

He has previously protested by dropping banners at Lord’s cricket ground, and protested “more than a dozen” times outside the London office of bank JP Morgan.

But Mr Mackinlay is unfazed by the activist.

“I’m very happy for Mr Newman to exercise his right of peaceful protest wherever he chooses,” he said.

“If I’m in my constituency office on a Sunday, as I am on occasion, I’ll be pleased to make him a cup of tea.”