Nigel Farage paid a visit to Rochester today to join Mark Reckless the day after the Rochester and Strood MP announced his defection from the Conservatives to UKIP.

Mr Farage and Mr Reckless were followed on their short walk from Rochester Castle to the Crown pub by a swarm of reporters and TV crews.

They spoke briefly to two people in the Rochester Castle grounds before making a beeline to the Crown pub on the high street.

Mark Reckless with Nigel Farage in the Rochester Castle grounds

Inside, Mr Farage got himself a pint while Mr Reckless had a pint of fizzy orange.

Mr Reckless said: "I think the Conservatives have betrayed the promises they made in 2010.

"It’s because I want to keep those promises that I'm switching to UKIP so I can do what we say.

"You can't announce these decisions in advance.

"I’ve thought very hard, had many sleepless nights and ultimately I believe more in representing the constituency I have here in Rochester and Strood and doing right for the country than the Conservative Party."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said: “I’m full of admiration. What Mark has done is principled and is also very brave.

"There are people like Mark who are thinking ‘if I really want to change things, I’m going to UKIP’.

“I can’t tell you how many people over the last couple of years who have thought very hard about coming to UKIP.

The pair chatted to a couple in the grounds of Rochester Castle

“If these by-elections go well, there will be more. I think he can win. There will be people who don’t like what he’s done but your ordinary folk, the ordinary folk of Rochester and Strood, will think ‘wow, a politician asking us what we think’.

“People change their minds, we all change our minds. He’s been under pressure from the Conservative Party not to leave but in the end he’s decided it’s the right thing to do.”

On when he made the decision to defect, Mr Reckless said: "It’s difficult to pinpoint one particular time.

Making a dash for the nearest pub

"There was a Conservative backbench committee in June and David Cameron asked about the European arrest warrant, and he put this passionate defense about it, though he was arguing about it before.

"I think we realised he wasn't serious about European reform.

"I want to keep my promises and I don’t think he is. I’m trying to remain constant to the promises ive made.

"I’m switching in order to keep my promises. I see Nigel Farage and UKIP as the agents of change."

Mark Reckless with Nigel Farage in the Crown pub

Part of his decision making process, Mr Reckless said, was due to the Lodge Hill development, a controversial housing development on the former Army camp at Chattenden.

The development will include 5,000 homes, new schools, healthcare facilities, leisure facilities and employment and business space.

It was approved by Medway Council but the plans will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Natural England.

Mr Reckless said: "I thought we were localising the Lodge Hill decision but it’s been decided nationally."

On his prospect of winning the byelection, which has yet to be announced, he added: "I believe I have a fighting chance.

"It’s possible I may lose, it’s a big personal risk but it’s the right thing to do for my constituents."

Mr Reckless was seen quickly leaving the Crown alone, striding purposefully away in a hurry after interviews with the press.

Asked where he was going, he replied: "I'm just going for a walk."