Victoria Ayling, who is standing for election in Grimsby, says she meant to say renewable energy subsidies

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

What happens when renewable energy runs out?

Victoria Ayling, Ukip’s parliamentary candidate for Great Grimsby in Lincolnshire, posed the rhetorical question during a Question Time-style debate in Cleethorpes this week, prompting “guffawing” from the audience, according to a local newspaper report. The question went viral when the Guardian’s Alberto Nardelli tweeted:

Alberto Nardelli (@AlbertoNardelli) "What happens when renewable energy runs out?" - Victoria Ayling, Ukip's candidate for Great Grimsby pic.twitter.com/29EW5nuxvM

The comment came after Vicky Dunn, the Green candidate in the constituency, asked Ayling about a claim made in a local Ukip leaflet that offshore wind energy jobs were all filled by foreigners.

Ayling later clarified on Twitter that she had meant renewable energy subsidies:

Victoria Ayling (@VAylingUKIP) #ukip #grimsby When I asked what happens when subsidies for renewable energy run out I am insulted by Lib/Lab/Con/Grn pact but none answered

To which Dunn replied:

Vicky Dunn (@VickyDunnGreen) @VAylingUKIP I explained clearly that subsidies reduce as an industry matures, giving solar PV as an example. Did you not listen?

Ayling, a former Conservative candidate, has previously been recorded saying “send the lot back” in reference to immigrants in the UK.



In 2010 Labour won Great Grimsby with 32.7% of the vote, beating the Tories on 30.5%, with Ukip fourth on 6.2%. Ayling is polling in second place in this year’s race, on 24%, behind Labour on 37% and just ahead of the Conservatives on 23%, according to Election Forecast.