UKIP Assembly Member Gareth Bennett enters party leadership race

Bennett also says he will have ''bold policy ideas'' if made leader Credit: Senedd TV

UKIP AM Gareth Bennett has put his name forward to become the party's next leader.

It comes as current leader Gerard Batten's one year term comes to an end, triggering a leadership contest. Batten recently faced a criticism after a tweet he made about Labour MP Jess Phillips.

Bennett, who was elected as the UKIP Assembly Group Leader last year, promised to bring ''fresh approach'' and says the party has had a ''tough time'' in the past couple of years.

Bennett also said he had ''bold policy ideas,'' including holding a referendum to bring back capital punishment.