Al Murray has confirmed that he will stand against Nigel Farage in the next general election.

The Pub Landlord will contest the Ukip leader for the Kent constituency seat of South Thanet under the banner of the Free United Kingdom Party.

And it isn’t a joke. At least, not just one for today only.

The electoral commission and Thanet Council are, however, yet to receive his registration. He has until 9 April to make his intentions official.

Farage appears to have welcomed the challenge with open arms. He tweeted the following:

Here are his top policies. Because, he says, “it’s time for a bloke waving a pint offering common sense solutions”.

The pound in your pocket

"The pound will be revalued at one pound 10p, so it will now be worth 10p more. Common sense."

The NHS

"If you come to A&E and it's neither an accident nor an emergency then you will be sent to a random hospital department to be practised on. Common sense."

Foreign Policy

"Germany has been too quiet for too long. Just saying."

Ukip's confusing policies Show all 7 1 /7 Ukip's confusing policies Ukip's confusing policies Deport migrants Ukip MP Mark Reckless suggested he would deport existing EU migrants, a policy Nigel Farage rejected out of hand. Reuters Ukip's confusing policies US-style NHS Farage was caught on film in 2012 saying healthcare headed towards insurance-based system, though he has since said he would keep it free at the point of use. Universal Images Ukip's confusing policies Handbag tax Ukip Economy spokesman Patrick O'Flynn said he would introduce a tax on high-price items like shoes, Nigel Farage disowned this idea. Ukip's confusing policies Same-sex couple adoption Ukip candidate Winston McKenzie likened adoption by same-sex couples to "child abuse", but the party rejects that view. PA Ukip's confusing policies Gay marriage? In early 2014 Ukip released a statement saying it would review its gay marriage policy, but later said that was an error. AFP/Getty Image Ukip's confusing policies Sex education u-turn Nigel Farage told Leaders Live that he backed sex education for under-11s but later admitted that is not Ukip policy. Getty Ukip's confusing policies Deleted manifesto The 2010 party manifesto has been deleted from Ukip's website and disowned by Nigel Farage, though he claims his will have a "similar flavour". EPA

Immigration

"Of course the reason they are coming here is because this is the greatest country in the world. The only way to stop them is for a government to change that and make things a whole lot worse. Look no further. However, in the meantime, we brick up the Channel Tunnel. With British bricks. Probably have to get some Poles in to do it. Common sense."

Education

"I believe the children are the future and there's no way you'll get me knocking teachers. Teachers are on the front line, the coalface. Doing their bit to create a level playing field for our kids... although I'm not sure they're going about it the right way by making sure none of the kids can read and write. So, instead of a postcode lottery, a new improved Street Raffle will determine which schools your kids get in to. Common sense."

Scotland

"Alex Salmond to be made First Minister for Norwich, so he can get to understand what being ignored by the rest of the country is really like. Common sense."

Europe

"I pledge that the UK will leave Europe by 2025 and the edge of the Solar System by 2050. Common Market sense. In the meantime Greece to be bought and operated by Kent County Council. Couldn't be worse. Someone to do the bins at least."

The environment

"Boris Johnson to be put on an island. He keeps saying that's what he wants."

Corporations and globalisation

"Blah blah blah blah blah paradigm blah blah blah, blah blah dialectic blah blah blah blah blah blah game-changer."

Homes for hard-working families

"Build some houses, but without bringing down house prices. How hard can it be?"

Defence

"National Service, but only for people who don't want to do it."

Law and Order

"Unemployment causes crime: I propose to lock up the unemployed. Common sense."

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