Spink becomes first UKIP MP

Bob Spink has become the UK Independence Party's first ever MP.

The Castle Point MP left the Conservatives last month over a row with constituency activists and has now joined the anti-EU party.

Spink told Tuesday's Telegraph newspaper: "I am delighted to join the UKIP team, helping to fight for Britain's interests in Europe and for better policy on the issues that really matter to people.

"I have been increasingly disappointed with the Tory Party's failure to be honest with the public on a wide range of issues like pensions, crime, immigration and defence.

"Dishonesty over the EU constitution is the Tories' greatest failure. They heap criticism on other parties, but refuse to remove the constitution if they ever get power.

"The public see this as opportunistic and hypocritical, but sadly, it is typical of Westminster politics. It is little wonder the public hold politicians in such contempt."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage, one of the party's 10 MEPs, said: "I am delighted to welcome the hard-working and deeply principled Bob Spink as UKIP's first member of Parliament."

UKIP peer Lord Willoughby de Broke added: "I am thrilled that UKIP now has a representative in the House of Commons.

"I look forward to working with him to further UKIP's programme of leaving the European Union."