UKIP win back majority in South Thanet by-elections

UKIP candidates took another two seats on South Thanet District Council in by-elections yesterday to secure a working majority again.

The council has been UKIP-controlled since last year's local elections although infighting over Manston Airport saw some UKIP councillors form an independent group, losing UKIP's overall majority. Last night's victories means 29 out of 56 councillors are UKIP, giving the party back its working majority.

As well as the district council wins, UKIP candidates won two vacant seats on UKIP-controlled Ramsgate Town Council which now has 11 UKIP councillors out of a total of 16.