KENT will host the battle of the beer-swilling idiots come general election time after comedian Al Murray aka The Pub Landlord pledged yesterday to stand against Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

The stand-up and television personality, famed for extolling the joys of all thing British, plans to stand in Kent’s South Thanet seat in support of his newly formed Free United Kingdom Party.

Explaining his decision to stand, Murray said in a video posted online: “It seem to me that the UK is ready for a bloke waving a pint around, offering common-sense solutions.

“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 is to be bought and operated by Kent County Council.”

He also promises “1p a pint,” although “crisps will remain at the current price.”

The party’s logo features an upturned pound sign, in a clear parody of the Ukip symbol.

A spokesman for the Ukip leader said: “At last, serious competition in the constituency.”