A KIDDERMINSTER-based UKIP MEP has been promoted to the party’s front bench by the new leader.

Jim Carver has been appointed assistant deputy leader of UKIP and will work closely with new chief Henry Bolton and the rest of his leadership team.

Mr Bolton, who won the race to become the new UKIP leader, has also appointed Margot Parker as his main deputy and Mike Hookem as another assistant deputy.

Mr Carver said: “I am delighted to accept the post of assistant deputy leader of my party, working alongside Henry, Margot and Mike in preparing UKIP for the challenges ahead.

“We will strive to ensure the party continues to have Brexit at its heart and also broad and appealing domestic policies that the branches and membership can focus on in readiness for next year’s local elections.

"I have been a UKIP member for 21 years and a passionate Brexiteer. This new role will run in tandem with my continued commitment to my West Midlands constituents, whom I have represented as an MEP since 2014."

Mr Bolton said, "Jim has served the people of the West Midlands with commitment and passion for many years, and has worked long and hard to get the UK out of the European Union.

"In recent years he has been an extremely effective spokesman on Commonwealth Affairs.

“I am delighted that he is joining me as part of my key leadership team ads we do all that we can to ensure that the votes of the people of this country, and in particular the people of the West Midlands are respected by the Government.”