Protest pushes Britain to the right

DESPITE predictions that support for the United Kingdom Independence Party would focus on Europe it has surged ahead in local elections.
Early results have shown the far right anti Europe party gaining 86 seats across the country in the local elections.
The group, which has faced sustained allegations of racism and homophobia, has already claimed that the results are proving "they are here to stay as a political force".
The Conservative Party has fared the worst against UKIP, having already lost 96 seats with more results being announced as the day progresses. Ed Miliband has come under attack from members of his own party as Labour fares little better. Labour MP Graham Stringer has called his party's performance "unforgivably unprofessional" following a number of high profile gaffes by Mr Milliband. The Liberal Democrats have been hardest hit in the local elections. Businesz Secretary Vince Cable admitted that he believed the junior coalition partner would take a "kicking".
Nigel Farage's UKIP had been expected to potentially win the majority of seats in the European Union Elections, however, some analysts had hoped that they would not be as strong in local elections as people focused on policies over personalities.
Twitter has been buzzing as the results have trickled through with some blaming the media for providing overexposure to the anti-immigration party, which had also campaigned on a platform of introducing  a flat tax rate and changing housing allocation policies.
@Janzek "#UKIP #Elections2014 shows what frightening things achieved when media gives 1 individual ridiculously disproportionate amount of coverage."
@kristinabambina: "The amount of seats UKIP has won is pretty terrifying. Has anyone actually read their policies? #essex #Elections2014"
The party's tax plan would see a significant rise for many in the lower pay bands who have supported them.
UKIP's push may have changed the political landscape as more professional parties fear it has gone beyond a protest vote. The swing to the right may be a warning shot across the bows, however, it is not the final volley in the battle for the 2015 General Election. As yet the party has not taken control of any individual council and is still lagging behind the key parties. Based on the figures so far it is unlikely to have a significant impact in obtaining MP's next year, despite its verbosity this morning.


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