Cameron orders Tory blitz to stop Rochester going to Ukip

PM launches desperate bid to stop Ukip gaining further momentum – and to save his own skin

The Mole

David Cameron promised to “throw the kitchen sink” at winning the Rochester and Strood by-election – and last night he stood by his word, ordering Tory MPs to do everything possible to keep Ukip from taking the Kent seat with their “Tory turncoat” candidate Mark Reckless.

Prime Ministers traditionally remain aloof from by-elections because of the snags they can cause. But Sky News reports that the Prime Minister will visit the seat no less than five times between now and the 20 November by-election, starting this week - before the Tory candidate has even been chosen.

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is the pseudonym for a London-based political consultant who writes exclusively for The Week.co.uk.