Kanye West has announced his intention to run to become President of the United States this year.

The 43-year-old rapper has flirted with the idea of running for top office multiple times over the years but was previously thought to have delayed his candidacy until 2024 in order to allow his friend Donald Trump to have a clear run at two terms.

However, in a Twitter post made on Independence Day, West declared: "We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States 🇺🇸! #2020VISION"

The late timing of the announcement means that West has missed the deadline to be on the ballot for a major party in the election this November, while he has also missed the opportunity to register as an independent in six states.

Speaking at an event last year, West was surprised to be met with laughter when he suggested he might run for President, asking the crowd: "What y'all laughing at?"

West has spoken candidly in the past about his battles with mental health, opioid addiction, suicidal thoughts and bipolar disorder.

Democratic candidate Joe Biden is currently the bookies' favourite to win the election and oust Trump from office, while West's shortest odds give him a 50/1 shot.