West Cumbria councillor defects from 'irrelevant' Ukip to Conservatives

A former Ukip councillor in West Cumbria has defected to the Conservatives, claiming Ukip has become "irrelevant".

Seaton councillor Mark Jenkinson stood as the party's candidate for Workington in the 2015 General Election, but quit before the EU Referendum.

He has now re-joined the Conservative party, having been "inspired" by Prime Minister Theresa May's conference speech.

He claims Ukip has "achieved their primary aim" - securing a vote to leave the European Union - and that the Conservatives are better placed to lead the UK out of Europe.

The news comes during a turbulent period for Ukip:

• The party's leader Diane James quit after just 18 days in charge

• Leadership frontrunner Steven Woolfe quit the party after an 'altercation' with another UKIP member

Mark Jenkinson says he is confident his move to the Conservative party will get a good response in his Seaton and Camerton ward.