A Tory MP allegedly broke election spending rules in order to put an end to Nigel Farage’s parliamentary ambitions, a court has heard.

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, 52, along with his election agent Nathan Gray, 29, and party activist Marion Little, 63, are accused of being complicit in the submitting of false expenditure declarations following his victory on May 7.

Southwark Crown Court heard how the Conservative Party put extra resources into the campaign to win the Kent seat in a bid to “see off” Nigel Farage’s political ambitions.

“Nigel Farage indicated he would step down as Ukip leader if he failed to win South Thanet,” said prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC, “so it was clear this was not going to be any ordinary election campaign.

“Marion Little went on to effectively manage Craig Mackinlay's election campaign so that he would be elected and Nigel Farage would be defeated.

“This was not just what is known as a marginal seat, but it was a contest which could see off Nigel Farage's Parliamentary ambitions forever.”

The election contest became a “two-horse race” which was won by Mr Mackinlay with a majority of around 2,800 in an electorate of 70,000.