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Kent Police take no action over complaint by Ukip over Camilla Long joke about Nigel Farage on Have I Got News For You

Kent Police says it intends to take no action over a complaint by Ukip over the BBC comedy show, Have I Got News For You.

The party made a complaint after an edition of the satirical show in which one of the guests, Sunday Times journalist Camilla Long, said she had been to Thanet more times than Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

The party reported the broadcaster to Kent Police, saying the comments might have hindered Mr Farage’s chances of electoral success.

Ian Hislop and Camilla Long on Have I Got News For You?
Ian Hislop and Camilla Long on Have I Got News For You?

It suggested the programme breached the Representation of the People Act 1918.

A statement from Kent Police said: “Kent Police received a complaint regarding comments made on a television broadcast last week.

"It was suggested that the comments breached the Representation of the People Act. The matter has been reviewed by officers but there’s no evidence of any offences and there will be no further action.”

Meanwhile, Ukip has ditched plans to hire a tank on election day as part of its efforts to get voters out.

The joke poked fun at Ukip leader Nigel Farage
The joke poked fun at Ukip leader Nigel Farage

Party aides had floated the idea of using a tank but the suggestion was dismissed after concerns it could strike the wrong note.

Leader Nigel Farage told The Daily Telegraph there had been lots of suggestions about how to encourage voters out.

“Hiring a tank? Why would I do something like that? There have been all sorts of ideas thrown around and suggested to me about what I should and shouldn’t do.

"People have been suggesting different things to me but I am greyer, older and wiser to take such advice this time.”

The tank on its way to the Winter Gardens in Margate during the party's conference in February
The tank on its way to the Winter Gardens in Margate during the party's conference in February

Ironically, the party’s Spring conference at Margate’s Winter Gardens was ambushed by a group of actors in a tank.

A Nazi-themed troupe of dancers and a 16-tonne Second World War tank appeared unexpectedly.

It was a stunt set up by the producers of a new touring production of The Producers, the Mel Brooks’ musical.

Performers in hot pants, jackboots and Nazi insignia goose-stepped and high-kicked to the Springtime For Hitler tune as Ukip delegates arrived.

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