Nigel Farage says Thursday's local elections in England and Wales signal "a real sea change" in British politics, after UKIP made early gains.

The party is averaging 26% of the vote in the wards where it is standing, something Mr Farage says puts them in a strong position for 2015.

In a jubilant mood, he told the BBC, "send in the clowns", referring to jibes from senior Tories in the war of words before Thursday's vote.