Poll has Farage on course for Westminster

Nigel Farage has received a boost on the eve of Ukip’s pre-election conference with a poll suggesting he is on track to become an MP in England.

Research by Survation for party donor Alan Bown put Mr Farage’s support in South Thanet at 39%, ahead of Labour rival WIll Scobie on 28% and Tory Craig Mackinlay on 27%.