West Midlands MEP appointed UKIP's Commonwealth spokesman

James Carver, who sits on its Foreign Affairs Committee and is the UKIP PPC for Stourbridge, was appointed to the role on Commonwealth day.

He said: "I am proud and excited to take up this role.

"The countries of the Commonwealth are some of the most dynamic in the world today.

"It is essential for the UK, as we look towards a future free from the European Union, to take advantage of the ties of law, trade, culture and family within the Commonwealth.

"It was always outrageous that we dropped the Commonwealth when we joined the so-called EEC as it was then."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: "I am delighted to appoint Jim to this role today.

"He has been working hard on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament to ensure that the voice of the Commonwealth is heard there.

"He will be an exceptional advocate for the Commonwealth, its development, and its interests"