A West Midlands MEP has become UKIP’s new defence spokesman, and says he will call for increased funding for our armed forces.
Bill Etheridge said UKIP backs “peace through strength”.
The MEP, who is also a Dudley councillor, was appointed by Paul Nuttall, UKIP’s new leader.
It comes as a study predicts UKIP could win at least one seat in the West Midlands at the next general election.
Political scientist Professor Matthew Goodwin, of the University of Kent, identified Labour constituencies most at risk to UKIP.
They include West Bromwich West, represented by Labour MP Adrian Bailey.
Labour seats which could fall to UKIP in the wider West Midlands region include Stoke North, represented by Labour’s Ruth Smeeth, and Stoke Central, where the MP is Labour’s Tristram Hunt.
Prof Goodwin looked at Labour seats with the lowest majorities, where over 50% voted “leave” in the EU referendum and where UKIP are already in second place or a close third.
Mr Etheridge said he was honoured to have been given the role of Defence spokesman.
He said “Our policy will be to increase spending in this area, reversing continued government cuts.
“’Peace through strength’ can only be achieved by having an impressive array of defence.
“We are working on a whole raft of radical new policies that will increase the pride in our country’s armed forces and we will pledge to uphold the military covenant for veterans”
UKIP took 13 per cent of votes at the last election in 2015, but ended up with just one MP - Douglas Carswell in Clacton.
Mr Nuttall says that Labour’s drift away from its traditional supporters under Jeremy Corbyn and the Conservatives’ uncertain approach to Brexit under Theresa May provide opportunities for UKIP to make gains.
He said: “My ambition is not only to get myself into the House of Commons but to get as many Ukip backsides onto the green benches as possible. That’s my aim and I believe we can do that.”
And he suggested party ranks could be swelled by more defections from the two big parties: “I have had no conversations with anyone from Labour, but I’m sure there are many Labour MPs out there who feel incredibly uncomfortable at the direction that the party is taking under Jeremy Corbyn.
"But equally, I think there are Conservatives who will be rich pickings as we don’t get the Brexit we voted for.”
