BREAKING: Ukip's Paul Nuttall announced as candidate for Stoke by-election

Ukip leader Paul Nuttall has been confirmed today as the party's candidate to fight the Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election next month.

His decision to stand indicates Ukip's belief that it has a strong chance of taking the seat.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Tristram Hunt, who stood down as an MP to become director of London's V&A museum.

Speaking today he said that Stoke is "battling against the odds" and that he understands the struggles faced by young people in the North.

He pledged to "fight for you and for your children...for a top quality academic and vocational education...to get the bedroom tax scrapped and for jobs that pay a decent wage".

He said "I will champion the issues that matter to the people of Stoke-on-Trent in the House of Commons...for better immigration controls, for tougher sentences for criminals...and for our armed forces."

He said that he was "English and proud".

Speaking about the NHS he denied that Ukip want to privatise it, and would abolish hospital charges.