Undoubtedly some of the mud unjustifiably thrown at UKIP over the last few weeks has stuck. That is in the nature of things, as was once said, by an expert (!) (paraphrased) "Tell the people enough lies and they will eventually believe them".
There has been an unprecedented attack on UKIP, largely based on its people, not its policies. The media, no doubt prompted by their cosy relationship with the old parties, on whom they have traditionally relied for entrée to the corridors of power, have been unremitting in their assault on UKIP people, while conveniently largely ignoring far worse offences by candidates and elected officials of the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.
I think it is fair to say that some of us in UKIP are a tad disappointed with the Newark result, as some expectations were that we would get around 27% to 28% of the vote and whittle the Tory majority to 5000 or less.
The all out desperate assault by the whole of the Tory party machine, complete with mandatory visits to Newark by ALL the party hierarchy and under threat, most of their MPs and candidates, plus up to 1000 (!) activists shows that the fear is with them.
Thankfully at the G.E. of 2015 they will not be able to do this blanket coverage, while it is likely that UKIP's activists will concentrate efforts on the carefully selected seats where we think we have a chance of winning.
Now at local and national level we start planning for 2015, not only for the G.E., but also for the many local authorities where local council seats are up for grabs.
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