A YACHT broker from Monaco says he will battle sleaze and corruption in Westminster as he puts himself forward as a candidate for the upcoming North Shropshire by-election.

Russell Dean, who is originally from Eccleston near Chester but now lives in the Mediterranean micro-state, is the leader of the Party Party, which he set up in 2013.

The by-election has been announced for December 16, and comes after former MP Owen Paterson resigned following accusations that he committed an "egregious" breach of a ban on paid lobbying by MPs.

Mr Dean says he will base his election campaign on a 'platform of anti-sleaze'.

He said: "I am originally from Chester and was educated at Wrekin Collage in Wellington so I have a local connection.

"I have already secured the required 10 nominations from registered voters within the constituency to enable me to stand.

"I am the leader of the Party Party registered on the official register of the Electoral Commission.

"I will be standing for the Party Party on a platform of anti-sleaze and corruption in Westminster."

Mr Dean, who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor, currently works as a broker for super yachts, but says he would return to the UK if elected.

He anticipates setting up election offices for the Party Party in both Oswestry and Whitchurch in due course.

"I anticipate opening an office for The Party Party in Oswestry and Whitchurch as soon as the election date is announced," he added.

"I have worked and lived in Monaco with my family for the past 15 years and I would return to UK if elected to serve the constituency.

"I work in commercial property and have been a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for over 20 years.

"I am also involved in the yachting industry including sales and charter of super yachts for the past five years."