The UKIP victory in Clacton could act as a springboard elsewhere in the county, say party members.

Douglas Carswell, a former Conservative, became Ukip’s first elected MP, after winning a by-election in Clacton.

Ukip has already made gains on local councils in south Essex and the party is targeting the parliamentary seats of Thurrock and Castle Point at next year’s general election.

Ukip candidates say the result, in which Mr Carswell emerged with a majority of more than 12,000, show they can make further gains in 2015.

Jamie Huntman, Ukip candidate for Castle Point, said: “This is going to be a springboard for other MPs and it is notable that Essex has led the way.

“We can seriously consider getting a number of MPs into Westminster now.”

The writing could be on the wall for the Conservatives as Ukip achieved nearly double their votes in the European Election poll across Castle Point and they have a made it a target to unseat Tory MP Rebecca Harris.

In Thurrock, Ukip won five seats in May, getting 46 per cent of the vote. There was even speculation Ukip leader Nigel Farage would stand there. Tim Aker, the party’s eventual candidate, said: “This is a wake-up and it truly shows if you vote Ukip, you will get Ukip.”

South Basildon and East Thurrock is another seat that Ukip is focusing on and will try to oust Tory Stephen Metcalfe, who won the seat in 2010.

Candidate, Kerry Smith, said: “The Labour vote collapsed in Clacton and I believe it will be a straight fight between me and Mr Metcalfe – if you vote Ukip then you don’t get the European Union.”

However, sitting Tories are up for the fight with Ukip.

Mr Metcalfe said: “It shows people are impatient for change and a lot of Tory votes went to Ukip last night, but it still remains we are the only party that can deliver what people want on Europe and Immigration, if we had a majority.”

Jackie Doyle-Price, Tory MP for Thurrock, has a majority of just 92. She said: “I have always been aware Thurrock is a bit of a scrap for the Parliamentary seat, but I just carry on making the argument that I believe we are the best option. Ukip are just using populist slogans and if you vote for them you will get Ed Miliband.”