Top UKIP candidate Gareth Bennett says he'd "strongly resist" any de-selection attempt

Gareth Bennett has dismissed any suggestion he's not up to being an Assembly member after his surprise selection to lead the party's regional list in South Wales Central. Sources within the party remarked his selection was unexpected and Mr Bennett says he's aware that some members were unhappy about it. The polls suggest gaining the seat is within reach and Mr Bennett says he was selected by the party's Welsh membership.

Mr Bennett told ITV Wales he believes devolution and the concept of the Welsh Assembly "may not have worked" and said the party may need to re-visit their support for the institution in future.

He also said a majority "do not want mass immigration into this country" suggesting some schools perform poorly due to the issue. You can view the interview in full here: