Brexit dominates agenda in Lincolnshire by-election

With just three days to go until Thursday's by-election, campaigning in the Lincolnshire constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham is gathering pace - and Brexit is dominating the agenda.

Ukip is hoping for a shock win similar to that seen in Richmond last week - where the Lib Dems unseated Zac Goldsmith, who stood as an Independent after quitting the Conservatives over the expansion of Heathrow airport.

This week's by-election was triggered by last month's resignation of Tory MP Stephen Phillips over "irreconcilable policy differences" with the government.

Mr Phillips, who campaigned for Leave in the EU referendum, said he was "exasperated" that the government was pushing for a "hard Brexit".

One in three in this Tory stronghold also voted to Leave, and, in the week when the government is appealing a High Court ruling that it requires parliament's approval before triggering the formal process of leaving the EU, many want to see Brexit action.

Outside a cafe in Sleaford, one local told ITV News: "People have made a decision (to leave the EU) and they (MPs) should respect the people's decision. They keep taking it to court, for what?"

Another added: "I don't think it should be anything to do with the law courts. It's been passed by the people."

The Lincolnshire town of Sleaford, which will have a new MP later this week. Credit: ITV News

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage has said the "revolution" of 2016 is far from over following the vote for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump.

The MEP said 2016 will be looked back on as the year the "little people decided they would assert themselves and could actually beat the establishment".

Ukip are attempting to overturn a Conservative majority of 24,000 but when asked if the party's candidate Victoria Ayling stands a chance of winning, Mr Farage said: "I don't know, it's 2016, why predict anything?

Nigel Farage campaigning in Sleaford on Monday. Credit: ITV News

"Only an idiot predicts things in 2016 because it's been so full of upsets.

"It's a big opportunity for voters to say to the Prime Minister: we voted for Brexit, we didn't vote for hard Brexit, we didn't vote for soft Brexit, we voted for Brexit... and would you please get on with it."

Also standing in the by-election in Sleaford and North Hykeham are Jim Clarke for Labour, Dr Caroline Johnson for the Conservatives and Ross Pepper for the Liberal Democrats.

David Bishop of the Bus-Pass Elvis Party, independent Sarah Stock, Marianne Overton of the Lincolnshire Independents, and The Iconic Arty-Pole of the Monster Raving Loony Party will also be standing, along with Paul Coyne and Mark Suffield.

The candidates in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election. Credit: ITV News