Ukip leader Nigel Farage is a South East MEP and lives in Westerham

Ukip candidate Piers Wauchope beats Tory leader Bob Atwood by almost 50 votes

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has expressed his delight at his party’s shock victory in the Tunbridge Wells elections - and revealed Ukip’s plans to contest every seat at County Hall next year.

Candidate Piers Wauchope beat Tory leader Bob Atwood by 533 votes to 487 in the fight for the Rusthall ward seat on the borough council.

Mr Wauchope, who is a former Tory Camden councilor, is the second Ukip candidate to be elected onto the council, after Victor Webb secured victory – also for the Rusthall ward –last year.

MEP Mr Farage, who lives in Westerham, said he was delighted with the result.

“We won a seat last year with Victor Webb and I think this is a significant second step,” he said.

“This shows real pressure and that Ukip is a serious contender.

“Next year is the Kent County Council elections and we will be fighting for every seat. We have a full set of candidates.

“Today is building up what happened last year, which makes it very significant.”