Ukip Conference: Every MEP Will Fight General Election, Deputy Leader Paul Nuttall Says

Ukip Deputy: 'None Of Us Really Want To Be MEPs'
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Leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage MEP (left) and Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan speak to television crews following their election as MEPs at the results for the European Parliamentary Election in the south east, at Saint Mary's Stadium, Southampton.
PA

Every single Ukip MEP will stand in the 2015 general election, the party has said - because none of them want their current jobs.

Ahead of vital European Parliament elections in May, Paul Nuttall, the party's deputy leader, said: "Let's be frank, none of us really want to be MEPs, we want to be MPs."

The party can only realise its dream of bringing the UK out of the EU with seats in Parliament, he said.

Nigel Farage's party currently has 10 MEPs, and hopes to increase its tally in May, with Nuttall claiming Ukip will be the biggest party after polling day.

But every one of them will potentially give up their seat as the party, which is currently holding its annual conference in London, attempts to win an elusive first seat at Westminster.

With Ukip promising to contest every seats in the general election, many Tories are fearful of the impact the party could have on their seats. One MP, Nadine Dorries, has already said she would consider running on a joint Conservative - Ukip ticket.

Nuttall floated the idea of joint candidates, saying a law change meant both parties' logos could appear on the same ticket for the first time.

He claimed there were "a number of Conservative" MPs who would like to see a formal pre-election agreement with Ukip.

"Grown-up politicians should talk," he said.

He added: "I can't rule out anything and I can't rule anything in."

"What I would say is it's perfectly legal to stand on a joint ticket because of legislation that went through.

"For the first time, it's perfectly legal for two parties' logos to appear on the same ballot paper."

If Ukip does win some seats, it is unwilling to work with David Cameron in a coalition.

"He has been very rude to us, at every opportunity, it seems," Nuttall said.

"It would be extremely difficult for Ukip to work with David Cameron, or even talk to David Cameron."