Nigel Farage in bid to build 'fruitcake' army to help him win UKIP seat

Nigel Farage will now be hoping to build an army of these so-called 'fruitcakes' to help him win UKIP's first seat in Westminster in 2015.

Supporters who had made the journey to Telford International Centre included the former Tory MP Neil Hamilton, who joined UKIP's national executive committee in 2011 having been out of politics for 14 years. He lost his seat in Cheshire after being involved in the 'cash for questions' affair.

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Last night he was accompanied by his wife Christine. Mr Hamilton said the 'fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists' label did not bother him. He said: "Name calling like that just shows the weakness of our opponents. David Cameron doesn't know how to keep up with us now. We're a large and growing party."

But UKIP has not done itself many favours with members such as Godfrey Bloom, the MEP who referred to countries receiving British foreign aid as Bongo Bongo Land. Bill Etheridge, the party's spokesman for Dudley and Halesowen, once found himself on the receiving end of criticism after posing in a picture with a gollywog doll as part of a campaign against political correctness. He said: "Sometimes comments are made that are used against us by our opponents."

While Nigel Farage was having his customary pint of bitter, VIPs were being treated to a champagne reception.

Among the guests was Roy Richardson, the businessman who, along with twin brother Don, built the Merry Hill shopping centre. "I don't agree with calling people fruitcakes", he said.

"You have to listen to people and their views."

UKIP is often seen as a party for disaffected Tories but it has also been winning votes from Labour.