Mark Reckless the sitting MP is firm favourite in the upcoming by-election but he will face stiff competition in varying degrees from Labour’s candidate Naushabah Khan and Conservative, Kelly Tolhurst.

Rob Comba speaks to Leon Emirali, a former Conservative candidate in the local elections in Sutton, Paul Oakley, the Chairman of UKIP’s Lewisham and Greenwich branch and Labour List’s Conor Pope.

So, have UKIP already won the Rochester and Strood by-election?

Paul says they definitely will. He it’s down to Mark Reckless’ popularity coupled with the local EU-scepticism.

Are the Tories really out of the running?

Leon thinks they still stand a chance and Mark Reckless is much less popular than Ukip lead people to believe.

Are Labour even bothered?

Conor says the lack of action from Labour is disappointing, particularly as they have a good candidate and an election is just around the corner.

Is Mark Reckless less popular than Douglas Carswell?

Paul believes Reckless does maintain some popularity locally, even though he might not always have been well liked across the Conservative party.

What changes now he’s part of UKIP?

Paul says it now means he can come out vocally in favour of leaving the EU

Are Labour afraid of the growing threat of UKIP?

Conor believes the party are putting a brave face on it, but it’s difficult to deny that it is damaging