A 17-year-old college student has set up a new pressure group with the aim of bringing Christian values into mainstream politics.

Max Stenner, who is studying politics, modern history and religious studies in Dorset, said the group, Christian Democracy UK, has already drawn up a manifesto which will be released later this month.

After that, members will work on more detailed policies.

He describes Christian democracy as “a political ideology and a series of beliefs that blend Christian principles with modern democratic ideals; it’s weaving that traditional Christianity into modern light without trying to set the clock back".

Mr Stenner says his Christian faith is the foundation of his politics.

“My beliefs are generally driven by both my Christian values and my belief in the Bible, and that leads me to something that is beyond Left and Right, but, rather, what my Deputy Chair dubbed as ‘sensible centre’," he told Church Times.

The group, which includes members from across the political spectrum, will officially launch at the New Culture Forum’s Politics and Christianity Conference in Blandford Forum on 30 September.