THE former chairman of Basildon Hospital has been named as Ukip's new candidate for the general election.

Ian Luder was announced as the candidate who will stand for the Basildon and East Thurrock seat in May.

Mr Luder, a former Mayor of London and city accountant, joined Basildon Hospital as chairman in April 2012 and announced he was standing down in November last year. Previous candidate Kerry Smith left the party after a recording of him using racist and homophobic language was leaked.

He will now stand as an independent in May.

Conservative MP Stephen Metcalfe currently represents Basildon and East Thurrock.