CANVEY Island Independent Party and Ukip have formed an official alliance.

The parties were seen being filmed for the BBC and canvassing on Canvey yesterday.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Independent Party, said: “We were filmed talking about small parties working together against the bigger establishment.

“The response we got was overwhelming.

“We have had an informal alliance, but now Ukip will support us in the local elections and we will support them in the general election.”

Castle Point Ukip will support the Independent Party ahead of the Castle Point Council by-election for Canvey East on October 30, while the Independents are backing Ukip’s Jamie Huntman in May’s general election.

Mr Huntman, prospective parliamentary candidate for Castle Point, said: “We are working with the Independents and went to the island yesterday to canvass.’’ The parties are due to feature on Sunday Politics East on BBC One on Sunday.