A man who stood for election to Parliament despite becoming homeless during his campaigning says he wants to help other people who fall on hard times.

Wesley Milligan stood in his hometown of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire as an independent candidate in this month’s general election.

Despite his situation, Mr Milligan decided to carry on with his bid for election, with a donor helping to pay the deposit he needed to stand.

He said he did not approach the local council to register his homelessness as he was “worried” it could affect his candidacy, with only a few close friends aware of what was happening.