FORMER Stroud MP Neil Carmichael is to stand as an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) candidate for Change UK.

When asked if he would be standing for the South West, Mr Carmichael said: "I can't answer that question.

"The party is not even a week old yet.

"I am going to be interviewed to be a candidate, and to a large extent it depends on that process, so I can't comment on where I'm going to stand. But I will stand and fight."

He added: "I will be fighting for a people's vote, and I think that remain should be one of the two choices on the ballot paper.

"I think it's really important that we have a second chance to talk about this country's future in a constructive and positive manner."

Mr Carmichael revealed his intention to stand as an MEP in an interview on Sky News on Tuesday.

He had already announced his intention to leave the Conservative party and join the Independence Group on April 11.