Ukip’s Nigel Farage says that Al Murray standing for the Free United Kingdom Party in South Thanet is a joke that is “wearing thin.”

The comedian’s planned parachute into Headcorn yesterday was foiled because he was “too heavy”.

Campaigning in Sandwich today, Mr Farage said: “I think the joke is wearing a bit thin, I think it might have been quite funny to begin with and it didn’t look very funny yesterday.

“If he does stand, I doubt he’ll get more votes than the Monster Raving Loonies.

“But I wish him well, it is a free country.”

Al Murray had his bid to stand for election approved this week.

KentOnline previously reported that Ukip was infuriated by this outcome because it could cause confusion at the ballot box come May.

But while Al Murray has been told FUKP is now formally registered, he has been warned the party logo cannot be used on ballot papers as it is too similar to Ukip’s own.

Read the thoughts of our political editor Paul Francis on the election battle in Thanet here

Mr Farage went door-to-door knocking in Sandwich today and is set to hold a public meeting this afternoon.

He said he thinks Sandwich having a “high profile national figure” as MP will help investment for the area.

The full report, including Mr Farage’s take on local issues, will be in the East Kent Mercury, out this Thursday.