DOUGLAS Carswell has stunned British politics by winning the Clacton by-election for UKIP.

The Tory defector has become UKIP's first elected MP in a historic victory that will rock Westminster.

Mr Carswell ditched the Conservatives in August forcing a by-election.

There were cheers as the result was announced.

He beat Tory candidate Giles Watling, Labour's Tim Young and Lib Dem Andy Graham to take back his seat.  

In his acceptance speech Mr Carswell explained his decision to stand down after defecting from the Tories.

"I resigned from Parliament to face this election because I answer first, foremost and last to you, you are my boss, I will not let you down," he said.

"To my new party I offer these thoughts: humility when we win, modesty when we are proved right.

"If we speak with passion, let it always be tempered by compassion. We must be a party for all Britain and all Britons: first and second generation as much as every other.

"Our strength must lie in our breadth.

"If we stay true to that there is nothing that we cannot achieve.

"Nothing we cannot achieve in Essex and East Anglia, in England and the whole country beyond."


Ukip's next target is Rochester and Strood, where Mr Carswell's fellow defector Mark Reckless is hoping to return to Parliament.

Mr Carswell said: "In Rochester as in Clacton I believe voters will reject negative campaigns by old party machines."

The result was:

*Douglas Carswell (UKIP) 21,113 (59.75%)

Giles Watling (C) 8,709 (24.64%, -28.38%)

Tim Young (Lab) 3,957 (11.20%, -13.84%)

Chris Southall (Green) 688 (1.95%, +0.71%)

Andy Graham (LD) 483 (1.37%, -11.57%)

Bruce Sizer (Ind) 205 (0.58%)

Howling Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony) 127 (0.36%)

Charlotte Rose (Ind) 56 (0.16%)

UKIP maj 12,404 (35.10%)

Electorate 69,118; Turnout 35,338 (51.13%, -13.05%)

2010: C maj 12,068 (27.99%) - Turnout 43,123 (64.18%)