CLACTON-ON-SEA, Oct 10 Agencies - The British anti-EU UK Independence Party has won its first seat in parliament in an electoral blow to the Conservative-lead government seven months ahead of a general election.
Douglas Carswell, who defected to UKIP from the Conservative Party, was elected in a by-election in the seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea with about 60 per cent of the vote on Friday.
Carswell said there was "nothing we cannot achieve" if UKIP was able to extend its appeal to "all Britain and all Britons".
He won the seat with a majority of 12,404 over the Conservative candidate Giles Watling and his victory capped a dramatic night for UKIP in which Nigel Farage's party ran close to Labour in the Heywood and Middleton by-elections.
Party leader Farage said: "Congratulations Douglas Carswell, a brave and honourable man who has a just reward."
In his acceptance speech Carswell explained his decision to stand down after defecting from the Tories.
"I resigned from parliament to face this election because I answer first, foremost and last to you. You are my boss. I will not let you down," he said.
"To my new party I offer these thoughts: humility when we win, modesty when we are proved right.
"If we speak with passion, let it always be tempered by compassion. We must be a party for all Britain and all Britons: first and second generation as much as every other."
CLACTON BY-ELECTION VOTE RESULT
Douglas Carswell (UKIP) 21,113 (59.75%)
Giles Watling (Conservative) 8,709 (24.64%, -28.38%)
Tim Young (Labour) 3,957 (11.20%, -13.84%)
Chris Southall (Green) 688 (1.95%, +0.71%)
Andy Graham (Liberal Democrats) 483 (1.37%, -11.57%)
Bruce Sizer (Independent) 205 (0.58%)
Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 127 (0.36%)
Charlotte Rose (Independent) 56 (0.16%)
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