A BARRISTER has put his name in the hat to represent Salisbury as an MP for the Brexit Party – just under three years before an election is due to take place.

Julian Malins, who is a Queen's Counsel, believes he is the man to oust current parliamentary member John Glen, who has occupied the seat since 2010.

The next general election is scheduled to take place on May 5 2022, although the government can decide to hold one earlier as long as it gets the support of at least 66 per cent of MPs.

Speaking about his decision to stand, 69-year-old Mr Malins, the son of an army chaplain, labelled Salisbury as his home, having lived in Godley Road and Manor Road – as well as 22 other houses across the world, including Ghana and Singapore.

But during his time locally, he studied at Harnham Primary School and Codford St Mary, and has lived in Tidworth, and later Bulford.

The barrister, who has represented clients including Elton John, added: "I am not a career politician. I am 69, an international commercial Queen’s Counsel and head of my own chambers.

"Well, of course I am in favour of leaving the European Union. Yet that is not the only, nor even the main reason for standing.

"The main reason can be expressed in one word, namely, competence.

"We have not had a competent government in almost 30 years.

"The shocking governmental incompetence cannot go on. I have three daughters and six grandchildren to think of."

Speaking about his party's policies, he said: "Leaving the European Union is, of course, the Brexit Party's united policy, but it is also our responsibility.

"We must and will make it work for everybody.

"And we have some great policies, which you will certainly like.

"We are not just about leaving the European Union. We will be forming the next government with the responsibility of governing competently in every area."