General Election 2017: UKIP leader Paul Nuttall issues rallying cry in Dudley

The UKIP leader hit the campaign trail in Dudley today where he was greeted by more than 100 supporters on a stroll through the town.

There were cries of 'Go on Paul!' as he walked around Market Place, before heading into Roger Scott's Menswear on Stone Street.

Mr Nuttall, who was accompanied by Dudley councillor, West Midlands MEP and parliamentary candidate for Dudley North Bill Etheridge on his visit to the town, vowed that UKIP would stand strong and provide effective opposition to the Tory Government.

He said: "We are the only party going into the election with a clear commitment to cut immigration to sensible numbers.

"And we are the only party that has really campaigned for a true Brexit."

He added that he was hoping for another strong showing from UKIP in Dudley following the party's substantial gains at the 2015 General Election.

Back then almost 25,000 people in the borough voted for UKIP's Parliamentary candidates in Dudley North, Dudley South and Stourbridge.

Mr Nuttall said Brexit would be the key issue of this year's election campaign, but cast doubt on the Prime Minister's ability to get the best deal for Britain in her negotiations with the EU.

"I think the EU Commission is beginning to play hardball, but I am not convinced that Theresa May will get the best deal for British people," he said.

"That is why it is important to get UKIP MPs elected."

Mr Nuttall is set to stand in Boston & Skegness, where he will take on incumbent Tory Matt Warman.

In the EU referendum, the constituency's town of Boston returned the the highest vote in support of Brexit, at 75.6 per cent.