WYRE Forest’s UKIP candidate who was thrust into the national spotlight when an old photo resurfaced said he is fully focused on his campaign and brushed aside the controversy.

George Connolly unexpectedly found himself at the centre of a social media storm when a photograph, taken when he was just 16, was shared showing him topless with the party named written across his torso.

The leaked photo, which was also picked up by national newspapers, resulted in criticism of the 20-year-old from rival political parties and social media users, who questioned his maturity to run for parliament.

But the former Baxter College pupil said: “The photo was taken four years ago, before I was involved in politics, by someone I used to be close to.

“I did it for a bet when I was 16 but someone has now leaked it. I didn’t do anything wrong and I think it is petty. People should focus on real issues such as politicians committing fraudulent acts.”

The self-employed bricklayer, who studied his trade at Stourbridge College, also refuted claims he was too young to stand – citing the SNP’s Mhairi Black who was elected to parliament in 2015 at the age of 20.

He said: “I’m trying to represent the people in the area that I have grown up with. I know the people here and I truly believe I am the best candidate to represent them and the district in parliament.

“Among the issues I am focusing on include the problem of pubs closing in the area as I would like to see local breweries thrive.

“We also have problems with car parking, particularly at Kidderminster Hospital, and the ongoing issues with the town centre redevelopment.

“We hear a lot about national issues from other parties but not enough about what’s happening right here.”

Wyre Forest UKIP suffered poor election results last week, following the national trend but Mr Connolly remained optimistic for their future.

He added: “We are victims of our own success really having secured Brexit and probably the most successful party in the history of UK politics.

“The results were disappointing but not unexpected. UKIP has a great opportunity to shape Britain post-Brexit.

“But I remain committed to my area and want to help the people of Wyre Forest.”