The former leader of Ukip, Nigel Farage, visited Clacton today on the general election campaign trail.
He joined the party’s local candidate, Paul Oakley, for a morning of campaigning – his first of the general election.
Picture-seeking passers-by regularly stopped the MEP as he made his way past amusement arcades and onto Clacton Pier.
Once he arrived, Mr Farage was followed around the town by a group of Ukip placard-carrying supporters, and he regularly stopped to speak to voters and answer their questions.
The Essex seat being targeted by the party was clinched by them during a 2014 by-election – seeing Douglas Carswell elected as Ukip’s only MP.
Candidate Mr Oakley admitted his party is the “underdog”, but said it is a “two-horse race between the Conservatives and Ukip” for the seat.
With current Ukip leader Paul Nuttall also visiting the seaside town two weeks ago, Mr Oakley denied the visit by Mr Farage was a desperate attempt for votes and said the former leader “actually volunteered to come down”.
“He knows perfectly well that it isn’t job done and that is why he has come down today,” he added.
The candidates standing in Clacton are: David Grace (LD); Nick Martin (Ind); Paul Oakley (UKIP); Natasha Osben (L); Caroline Shearer (Ind); Chris Southall (G); Robin Tillbrook (ED); Giles Watling (C).
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