Nigel Farage tonight claimed a Ukip win in Rochester and Strood would give the party the momentum to hold the balance of power at the general election in 2015.

At the ticket-only hustings, Ukip candidate Mark Reckless reasserted his position on the controversial Lodge Hill development in Hoo, reiterating his resignation statement that he could not keep his promise to oppose the plans as a Conservative.

Addressing the crowd at the hustings, Mr Reckless said: "It is a site of special scientific interest and if they are allowed to build on that... then that will undermine the whole system of environmental protection across our country. That is why I'm opposed to Lodge Hill development."

The hall filling up at the beginning of the Ukip hustings

As well as covering familiar Ukip territory ragarding the EU, in answer to questions from the floor Mr Farage said the party was opposed to the Tory bedroom tax.

But he stressed that "cuts to the welfare budget are needed."

David Cameron and Nigel Farage were both in Rochester today as the parties continue their campaign in the crucial by-election.

The Prime Minister made his third of a reported five visits to the constituency before polling day on November 20.

Speaking during his visit, Mr Cameron promised the departure of Lib Dem crime prevention minister Norman Baker would not affect the government's move to ban so-called legal highs, the subject of a long-running KM Group campaign.

David Cameron intends to visit the constituency five times in the run up to the by-election.

The Prime Minister, along with candidate Kelly Tolhurst, visited Chatham Dockyard and Chatham Segment Factory, which manufactures tunnel sections for the Cross Rail project.

There he told the KM Group's political editor Paul Francis: "We have taken action against a whole series of drugs but we are looking to take broader powers so we can deal with legal highs even faster.

"I'm in no doubt as to the danger posed by these... We should use the law where appropriate."

He also accused Ukip of 'stunts'.

Mr Cameron said: "Kelly is the strongest local candidate, and if you vote for her it will be about you. If you vote for Ukip it'll be about them.

"It will be about stunts, politics and making a thing out of Ukip, rather than being about Rochester and Strood."

Shortly after his arrival at Chatham Dockyard this afternoon, Mr Cameron responded to questions on Lib Dem minister Norman Baker's resignation in a row with Home Secretary Theresa May.

He told a meeting: "I am sure he will have other things to do."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage, MP Douglas Carswell and candidate Mark Reckless

Meanwhile, Ukip party leader Nigel Farage was due to join candidate Mark Reckless for what the party has billed as an "old fashioned" hustings meeting in Hoo this evening.

The event is ticket-only and is reported to be sold out.

Follow our political editor Paul Francis on Twitter @PaulOnPolitics for live updates from both events.