First a sex scandal and now a selection stitch up: UKIP are really showing themselves to be a proper, grown up party this week. Guido is told the locals in Essex are “furious” and in “uproar” ahead of tonight’s hustings in South Basildon and East Thurrock, where Neil Hamilton has been parachuted in by the central party. Sources express “deep concern” that disgraced Hamilton’s “baggage” will have a negative effect across other constituencies in Essex where UKIP believe they have winnable seats. The local party is still angry that their preferred candidate Kerry Smith was deselected by the party to make way for a “big name”. “It will become the Neil Hamilton show in Essex if he wins,” warns a worried local. So much for UKIP’s claim not to interfere in the business of their local branches…