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Tory MPs 'prepare to defy Cameron over EU vote'

As many as 100 Tory MPs could be preparing to defy the party leadership by making a personal pledge to vote for a British exit from the EU in an in/out referendum.

The Independent reports that the eurosceptics are prepared to promise to vote 'No' to EU membership regardless of what concessions David Cameron can win from Brussels.

The Prime Minister has pledged to renegotiate the terms of British membership and then give the British people an in/out referendum in 2017.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage said a by-election win for his party in Clacton would signal a "landslide in British politics" as an opinion poll indicated that the Tories would face a humiliating defeat in the contest triggered by Douglas Carswell's shock defection.

Mr Farage, who said the party was "testing the waters" with other potential turncoats - including from Labour - predicted Ukip could hold the balance of power in Parliament.

A Survation poll for the Mail on Sunday gave Ukip a massive 44 point lead over David Cameron's party and Mr Farage predicted that a win would result in "more and more people coming over to us".

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Farage: By-election win would signal landslide in politics

Ukip leader Nigel Farage said a by-election win for his party in Clacton would signal a "landslide in British politics".

Ukip leader Nigel Farage accompanies Douglas Carswell on a walkabout in Essex. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

The Conservative Party is set for a humiliating defeat to Douglas Carswell - who resigned from the Tories - according to an opinion poll in the Mail on Sunday, which gave Ukip a massive 44 point lead.

Mr Farage predicted a Ukip win would result in "more and more people coming over to us" and predicted the party could hold the balance of power after the next General Election.

This is the moment. If we win the by-election in Clacton, it will create a landslide in British politics. If we lose, then selling ourselves as a party that can win a significant number of seats will get a lot harder.

– Nigel Farage speaking to the Sun on Sunday

He added: "If Douglas wins this by-election, then there will be more and more people coming over to us. We could end up holding the balance of power by next May."

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