'Apprentice' Hopkins to stand as MEP

Apprentice star Katie Hopkins will stand as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming European elections.

Hopkins is campaigning in the South West region, promoting a 'Buy British' manifesto. She contends to be a supporter of small businesses, farmers, women and the armed forces.

The 33-year-old, who walked out of Sir Alan Sugar's BBC One show at the semi-final stage, claimed that her controversial past would not hinder her chances of winning.

"Although many of our politicians seem to have scandal to hide, my personal life is no longer private," she is quoted as saying. "Quite frankly, all my skeletons left the closet a long time ago. What you see is what you get."

She added: "What we all need is a bit of common sense. Party politics no longer really exists. They all look the same, sound the same and share the same middle ground."