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Labour's John McDonnell branded Ukip 'an evil force' during a visit to Oldham last night.

The Shadow Chancellor's comments come ahead of a closely fought by-election in the Greater Manchester town, to be held this Thursday.

Speaking at a dinner for Corbynite group Momentum, McDonnell said the party divides society "often on the basis of race", according to the Spectator .

But Ukip leader Nigel Farage hit back today, accusing McDonnell of "joking about a man who killed 45 million" and supporting the IRA.

And Ukip's Only MP, Douglas Carswell seemed confused by McDonnell's remarks.

He Tweeted: "John McDonnell MP apparently calls UKIP evil. There's footage of us chatting happily when awaiting Chinese President address to Parliament"

In his speech at the dinner, McDonnell said: "We can not allow what I think is an evil force within our society – that divides society often on the basis of race, often on the basis on some of the crudest policies that you can imagine any political party advocating.

"We cannot allow them to get any form of toehold within our political system and that’s why it’s about defeating them but more importantly, defeating them — a clear contrast in terms of a sincere, local committed socialist candidate."

(Image: Ian Forsyth)

Labour is tipped to retain its Oldham West seat despite a strong challenge from UKIP .

But senior party figures are braced for their 14,000 majority to be slashed amid growing concern over Mr Corbyn’s leadership.

Labour candidate Jim McMahon, the local council leader, is 1/4 with bookies to claim victory.

(Image: Getty)

Mr Corbyn said: “Jim is a brilliant local candidate and the work he has done in Oldham as leader of the council is recognised by everyone there.

“Jim is the best person to represent Oldham West in Parliament and he would make a great MP. “

But one MP told the Mirror: “We should win but the majority will be nothing like it was for Meacher. A lot of that is down to Jeremy.”