What have Boston and Skegness done to deserve this?

The Liberal Democrats have poured scorn on Paul Nuttall after he declared he is standing for UKIP in Boston and Skegness - while making his announcement in Hartlepool.

Liberal Democrat chief whip Tom Brake said:

"What have Boston and Skegness done to deserve this? I am sure voters there will have the good sense to reject Paul Nuttall, just as the voters of Stoke did so emphatically the last time he sought election. At least they can take comfort from the fact that Mr Nuttall was apparently unable to find his would-be constituency today, so had to make his announcement in Hartlepool.

"There is literally no point to UKIP's continued existence. Its views and prejudices are now represented perfectly by the Conservative Party. The Bluekip alliance is already seeing pacts being struck between the Conservatives and UKIP.

"This election is a chance to change the direction of our country. If voters want to fight a disastrous hard Brexit, keep Britain in the single market and give the people the final say, we are the only party offering a way to do that."