An Indian-born former Conservative supporter believes he will oust Work & Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith when he stands as a Ukip candidate in next year's general election. 

Freddy Vachha is bullish in his bid to cause a major upset in the Tory stronghold of Chingford & Woodford Green after he was selected at party hustings on October 7.

The 56-year-old, who was born in Mumbai to British parents, said he became disillusioned with the Conservatives for failing to stick to its traditional core values of “hard work, initiative and not making benefits a lifestyle choice”.

The three-times MENSA chess champion, who has lived in Chingford for 30 years and currently resides in The Avenue, said his selection shows Ukip is not racist, as critics claim.

The party’s anti-European Union stance and pledge to place strict limits on immigration have led to accusations of bigotry and xenophobia.

Mr Vachha said: "There is a perception in the media that Ukip is a racist party, but if that were the case, they wouldn't have chosen me.

"No-one is more pro-Europe than I am, but the EU is a socialist utopian nightmare. We have to get out and we are the only party that will deliver this.

"All countries that wish to do well in this world need immigration, but it has to be balanced and managed with a points-based system similar to the United States, Australia and India. 

"But instead we have an open-door, bizarre, incompetent policy that often attracts the worst kind of immigrants.

"Residents are frightened and disillusioned by the subject of immigration and I don't blame them."  

Mr Vachha accused the Work and Pensions Secretary, who has represented Chingford since 1992 and secured a 10,000-plus majority at the last election, of not sticking to his principles over Europe.   

He added: "I'm saddened by what has happened. He used to be a eurosceptic for many years, but I believe he has become subverted. 

"He supports the EU to pander to public opinion, but I would be intrigued to know what he really thinks.

"I do feel very much in tune with the people of Chingford and Woodford Green and I do believe I am their chance to be properly represented by a party that reflects their needs. 

"I will prevail over Iain Duncan Smith."

A spokeswoman for the MP said: "Iain Duncan Smith never comments on other candidates. 

Ukip recently gained its first MP when Douglas Carswell defected to the party from the Tories, forcing a by-election in Clacton.

Some are predicting momentum provided by a surge in support for the party led by Nigel Farage could see it hold the balance of power after next year’s poll.