With the election just hours away, it's been revealed that a campaign assistant to Dover's Labour candidate Clair Hawkins has defected to Ukip.

According to Ukip candidate David Little, Georgie Ramsay - who is also standing for election to Dover District Council - contacted him last week.

Mr Little said he believed her decision was based on the desire to see live animal exports banned.

Since her defection, Ms Ramsay has been out canvassing with Ukip supporters.

Mr Little told KentOnline: "Georgie has been a great asset, delivering leaflets and knocking on doors. She has decided to join the only party that has promised to stop live animal exports.

"I don't suppose it can be construed as good news for Labour."

The Green Party also pledges to ban live exports, but Mr Little said Ms Ramsay was attracted to other Ukip policies such as tighter controls on immigration.

In a statement, Clair Hawkins's office played down Ms Ramsay's role.

A spokesman said: "She joined the party fairly recently and was doing some part-time admin for us but very little campaigning.

"She has also flirted with the greens, so who knows where next?"