Whatever happens in 2015, Nigel Farage's selection as UKIP's Parliamentary candidate for Sandwich has caused a stir in the town.

After he was picked by the party at hustings on Tuesday night, some say he may help shake up the Thanet South constituency that Tory Laura Sandys now represents. Others fear it'll be a disaster.

Michael Charman from Ramsgate said: "I don't have a high opinion of any politician really but I think it's worth a try, he is a bit extreme but perhaps that's needed sometimes.

"Everyone is jumping on the illegal immigration but that's an easy wagon to jump on, there are lots of issues in the area. He's quite a forceful character and characters can sometimes make a difference."

Anthony Grey, from Sandwich, said: "I think it would be a great mistake for Britain to leave the European Union while many other countries are actually queuing up to join it.

"I think Nigel Farage is a one-man band and a one issue man. I don't doubt that he's got any other policies but clearly he's a populist and he's popular but I certainly would not be voting for him."

Elizabeth Wilkinson, from Eastry, agreed that we need somebody strong.

She said: "Here in the south we are sick of immigration, foreigners are everywhere, they put the crime rate up and David Cameron doesn't seem to be listening. I've been a Tory voter all my life but we need a basic change and I think UKIP is going to be it. I feel a surge coming through British politics. We need somebody strong."

"I'll give up voting if he gets in" - Lesley Richards, Ash

But Lesley Richards, from Ash is among those who hates the idea of Mr Farage representing her. She said: "I'll give up voting if he gets in. I just don't like his politics and I don't like the man himself."

Gemma O'Dell from Sandwich, agreed: "For me it's just an embarrassment for the area that out of all the places in the country this is the area that they think he would have the most chance in.

"I've got a three-year-old son and I've got to think seriously about if he is elected as MP. "I'm raising a child in my area where UKIP are standing and I feel quite strongly about it.

"I think actually UKIP is a one issue party, it might be interesting to see what else he has to offer but hopefully the publicity around him will show that it's a one issue party but I think people of Thanet are actually, I hope, more open-minded and hopefully that will come through."

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