SOUTH West Euro MP Dr Julia Reid has welcomed the election of Paul Nuttall as the new leader of the UK Independence Party - and has mooted him as a potential Prime Minister.

She said: "I believe we have made a very wise decision.

"Paul is a very charismatic and dedicated individual and his wealth of experience in fulfilling numerous roles within the party makes him more than qualified to lead the party.

“He's also an incredibly motivational leader. I remember the first time I met Paul, it was on a gloomy winter evening in a freezing cold skittle alley, at a pub in Pewsham.

"He came to talk to a group of despondent North Wiltshire and Chippenham activists shortly after a disappointing result in a general election, and yet despite the situation, Paul’s upbeat pep talk cheered us up and encouraged us to keep battling on.

“Consequently, I am convinced that Paul Nuttall is the best person to lead our party on to ever greater heights and our future success in the 2020 general election.

“If the establishment parties fail to respect the result of the referendum, which is on record as one of the largest democratic exercises in British history, then we could well expect to see Paul moving into 10 Downing Street following the next general election.”