Peter Whittle, the UKIP candidate for this year's London Mayoral election, has said he's amazed by how much churches do in their communities in London.
He's been speaking exclusively to Premier as he prepares to contest the vote to lead London from City Hall.
Peter Whittle
Age 55
Member of UKIP since 2012
Previously worked in the media
Lived in Los Angeles for 5 years
He's risen quickly up the ranks within UKIP and despite standing in the general election last year, is yet to serve in political setting.
Whilst also campaigning for the UK to leave the EU he put together a plan for London, including:
- End open borders and introduce an Australian style points system
- Build more houses across London and ensure Londoners have priority in social housing
- Scrap council translation services and reinvest the money into London's communities
- Support police stop and search powers to help reduce knife crime and save young lives
- Cut immigration and tax vacant foreign owned properties to reduce pressure on London's housing
He says if he becomes Mayor he's keen to work with churches to build on the good work they do in the communities.
"I'm not a religious man," he said. "That doesn't mean I don't appreciate the extraordinary works that churches do.
"I'm amazed at the work they do and the influence they have for the good in their communities. I actually find it quite moving."
Mr Whittle says he also wants London to rethink how it values things.
"I think London is not just about money, it's not just a marketplace, there is such thing as society," he said. "I think sometimes in London we lose track of that."
"It has become a huge place of exchange and everything is valued very much in terms of value financially but I think it's about the quality of life for Londoners."
Listen to Peter Whittle speaking to Premier's Marcus Jones.