Veteran Ulster Unionist councillor Bob Stoker has defected to UKIP, on the eve of his former party’s annual conference.

The former Lord Mayor of Belfast will strengthen Nigel Farage’s party - which has just one MLA, David McNarry - in local government.

Visiting Northern Ireland today, UKIP deputy leader Paul Nuttall appealed for more defections.

“People should come and join Bob in creating a people’s revolution in politics,” he said.

And Strangford MLA McNarry, also a former Ulster Unionist, said: “Bob is known for his honesty and integrity, for his wisdom, hard work and political experience. He will be a great addition to the UKIP team in Northern Ireland.”

Belfast Telegraph