It is a fair point about newcomers to the party not parachuting in to high office. But I am not a newcomer. I joined UKIP in 2002.

I have spoken at a few meetings, campaigned for William Dartmouth in the last EP election and for UKIP's candidate in N Wiltshire, Charles Bennett, in the last general election. My personal circumstances precluded deeper involvement until now.

As I said in my Eastbourne speech. I joined the Anti-Common Market League in 1967 and have been consistent in my anti-EU views ever since. So I am no Johnny-come-lately and am standing for the NEC only because I want to play a full part in helping UKIP grow stronger.