Today has been ‘Nigel Farage Day’ in Margate. Although many of the party’s other prominent characters addressed its spring conference, it was the leader who entirely stole the day with a speech lapped up by the crowd. If there was ever any doubt that Ukip is built around the personality of Farage, today proved it.
I spoke two of Ukip’s other key figures to gauge their thoughts on the conference. Rochester & Strood MP Mark Reckless (watch above) said it had been an ‘absolutely fantastic day’ but admitted it was a more restrained affair than Ukip’s other conferences:
‘Spring conferences are generally more restrained that the big autumn ones, even for Ukip…people are focused on the election and we had a great barnstorming speech as ever from Nigel Farage.’
So does Reckless think the party is entirely focused on Farage’s fight in South Thanet?
‘Nigel Farage is the key Ukip person.

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