UKIP gains its first MP

The UK Independence Party gained its first member of Parliament today after former Tory MP Bob Spink announced he had joined its ranks.

Mr Spink accused the Conservative Party, which expelled him last month, of being "dishonest" with the public over its policies on Europe.

He also insisted that despite the change there was no need for a by-election in his Castle Point, Essex, constituency.

"I was elected as Bob Spink... I work hard for my constituents and I will continue to do so," he said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"I am following to the letter every word that I promised them in my manifesto and I only wish that the parties were doing the same, including the Tory Party.

"They heap criticism on other parties for bringing (the EU Reform Treaty) forward, and yet they refuse point blank to do anything about it if they get power.

"That is a dishonest position to hold with the public."

Mr Spink is a controversial figure who fell out with the Tory leadership after bitter rows with his local constituency party.

He was first elected to Parliament in 1992, losing his seat in 1997 but then regaining it in 2001.

Mr Spink insisted today that he planned to continue in elected politics "for a long time".

In a statement released by Ukip, Mr Spink said: "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, which is why I voted against the Tory whip so often in recent years and finally resigned the whip last month."

The party's leader, Nigel Farage, said: "I am delighted to welcome the hard working and deeply principled Bob Spink as our 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 our programme of leaving the European Union."