UKIP regains control of Thanet Council in local by-elections Published duration 19 August 2016

image copyright PA image caption Former leader Nigel Farage tweeted his delight at the "fantastic news"

UKIP has recovered control of Thanet District Council after regaining two seats in a local by-election.

The party first secured a majority on the council in May 2015 at a time when it failed to make a breakthrough at the general election in the area.

But several defections later, largely due to perceived inaction over Manston Airport, its majority vanished.

The by-elections for two seats in the Northwood ward followed the resignations of two independents.

The composition of the council is now: 29 UKIP councillors; 18 Conservatives; five Labour; two Democratic Independent Group; and two Independent Group.

UKIP is in the midst of a leadership contest to succeed Nigel Farage, who resigned after Britain voted to leave the EU.

Following the result, key UKIP figures took to Twitter to celebrate.

image copyright Twitter

image copyright Twitter